'Marra' swims to freedom

(c) BDMLR

The bottlenose dolphin (nicknamed Marra by locals), which has been trapped in the marina at Maryport in Cumbria for several weeks was successfully released today (30.01.06)

At approximately 4.30pm we were delighted to receive a call from Lissa Goodwin, the Marine Connection Bycatch/Fisheries Officer informing us of the good news, Lissa is also a fully qualified and experienced Marine Mammal Medic and was in Maryport to assist in the rescue effort, led by British Divers Marine Life Rescue. We only hope that the success of this rescue will highlight to the public, the teams’ professionalism and expertise in the area of dolphin and whale rescue and will in some small way, comfort the team, many of who were involved in the attempted rescue and release of the whale in the Thames last week. Happily “Marra” was last seen swimming off into deeper waters, accompanied by two bottlenose dolphins - free at last !

Congratulations and well done to all involved in this rescue effort !