Stranded dolphin rescued, then found dead on beach

Sad sight: Villagers, who have seldom come across a dolphin in the area, looking at the carcass that was washed ashore at Tanjung Batu beach in Bintulu.

KUCHING: A dolphin which was stranded at Tanjung Batu beach in Bintulu on Friday evening has been found dead.

Local residents came across the carcass, which was about two metres long and weighed over 100kg, on the beach at 8am yesterday.

It is believed to be from the Sousa chinensis species and appeared to have some cuts on its body.

The rare sight attracted curious onlookers, with photos of the dolphin circulated widely on social media.

A villager, who gave his name as Ambrose, said this was the first time he had seen a dead dolphin on the beach.

State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Farhan Sufyan Borhan said they received calls about the dolphin shortly after 7pm on Friday.

“When we reached the beach, the dolphin was still alive but in a weak condition. We released it back into the sea at 9.47pm when the tide was high.

“However, we were then informed by locals of its death,” he said.

Farhan said the dolphin was believed to have been washed into the state’s waters by strong waves.

“Based on its physical condition, it had probably not eaten for several days,” he said, adding that the relevant authorities would dispose of the carcass.