MELAKA: As the locals buzzed with Hari Raya Aidilfitri preparations, an unexpected visitor appeared along the waters of the heart of the historic city on the eve of the festive.
A dolphin was found stranded along the estuary of the Sungai Melaka, near the Maritime Museum at Jalan Quayside, Banda Hilir, here.
The sight of the helpless marine creature quickly caught the attention of passers-by, who realised it was still alive but trapped due to the receding tide.
Acting swiftly, members of the public contacted the Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) at 1.36pm on Sunday (March 30), seeking urgent help to rescue the dolphin.
According to Melaka Tengah APM officer Kapt (PA) Aljibin Suddin, a rescue team comprising four members was immediately dispatched to the scene.
"The APM team arrived about 30mins later and used specialised equipment to guide the dolphin into deeper waters.
"It was then handed over to a private boat operator, who assisted in moving it further out to sea," he said, adding that the dolphin was released back to open waters by 3.23pm on the same day (March 30).
Dolphins have been spotted by fishermen along the state's coast on the Strait of Malacca, but this was the first time it has encroached close to the estuary of Sungai Melaka.
