Sea Bright Firefighters Assist in Recovery of Three Stranded Dolphins

Sandy Hook, N.J. — October 18 — Members of Sea Bright Fire and Rescue assisted the National Park Service and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in recovering three dolphins found stranded in marshland near Spermaceti Cove at Sandy Hook.

The National Park Service was notified after a visitor discovered the dolphins in marsh grass near a shallow creek. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center mobilized its response team and requested assistance from Sea Bright Fire and Rescue.

Engine 43, Marine 43 and the Deputy Fire Chief responded. Firefighters, stranding team members and National Park Service personnel entered the marsh to reach the animals. Each dolphin was placed on a stretcher and carried to the beach for an initial examination before being transported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for further evaluation.

The dolphins were identified as adolescent common dolphins, consisting of one male and two females. According to the stranding center, all three were weak, lethargic, thin and in poor body condition.

Following veterinary examinations, the decision was made to humanely euthanize the dolphins because their condition and chances of recovery were very poor. Their remains were transported to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Trenton for necropsies to help determine the cause of the stranding.

The response involved coordination between Sea Bright Fire and Rescue, National Park Service personnel, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and its trained volunteers. The operation required crews to work in difficult marshland conditions while carefully moving the animals to a location where they could receive medical attention.