The discovery of a cetacean on the shore mobilized emergency services in Mazatlán, where a specimen measuring approximately two meters was stranded on the sand; thanks to the coordinated action, the dolphin stranded on Stone Island was stabilized and finally released into the sea.
The response was immediate on the part of the specialists, since the operation was led by Aquatic Rescue Squadron, attached to the Municipal Public Security Secretariat, with support from the veterinary team of the Mazatlan Aquarium, who came to check the mammal's health.
How was the rescue?
Following a citizen alert, rescuers activated the protocol for marine fauna and they moved to the beach area of ​​Stone Island to secure the area and reduce the animal's stress while the veterinarians arrived.
With the arrival of specialized personnel from the Mazatlán Aquarium, a veterinary assessment on-site to check vital signs, possible injuries and swimming ability before deciding to return to the sea.
Once the feasibility of the transfer was confirmed, the officers used a jet ski to guide the dolphin into deeper waters, a maneuver carried out carefully to avoid further situations of exhaustion or disorientation.
The operation concluded with the release into their natural habitat, once it was confirmed that the animal had recovered its swimming power and was not showing any abnormal behaviour when moving away from the coast.
Animal status and protocol activated
Initial checks indicated that it was a specimen of approximately two meters in length, with no clear evidence of external trauma and with adequate breathing to return to the sea.
The procedure was carried out in accordance with the intervention guidelines for stranded cetaceans: clinical evaluation, preparation of the transfer, escort to a safe area and visual verification of the animal's recovery of navigation.
From the operational headquarters, Commander Gustavo Espinoza Bastidas insisted that citizen collaboration is key and that reports to the emergency telephone number 911 They allow for the coordination of a rapid and effective response with trained personnel.
Recommendations to citizens
In a similar case, the most important thing is notify immediately and avoid actions that could harm the animal; the primary option is to call 911 so that trained teams can handle the intervention.
- Keep a prudent distance and avoid noise or direct contact to reduce stress.
- Do not try return it to the water on your own: requires a prior assessment by expert personnel.
- If it's safe, you can protect your skin from the sun with damp cloths, without covering the blowhole.
- Mark the area for avoid crowds and allow rescuers to work.
These guidelines avoid unnecessary risks for both the animal and people, and encourage professional teams to apply the rescue protocol quickly and safely.
Why do strandings occur?
Strandings can be due to several causes, from disorientation due to changes in currents to changes in the coastal environment that push dolphins towards shallow areas.
Sometimes they are due to illness or weakness, which limits the animal's swimming and orientation ability, making it more prone to running aground.
Other factors include variations in salinity and temperature, extreme weather events and oceanographic phenomena that modify usual routes.
Added to this are elements of human origin, such as underwater noise or interactions with fishing gear, which can interfere with the echolocation and natural behavior of these species.
The combination of preventive actions, well-established protocols and early warnings reduces mortality and improves the probabilities of reintegration of the animal in its environment.
The episode that occurred in Mazatlán leaves a clear idea: the coordination between rescuers and veterinarians, combined with a timely call to 911, can make all the difference in helping a dolphin that washes up on the sand return to swimming normally in the open ocean.
