A massive, drifting block of ice has trapped five dolphins near Newfoundland. The creatures have been stuck for about five days and experts are concerned that the dolphins may be in danger.
Dolphins Stuck in Ice
The eight-foot-long dolphins have been seen swimming in circles near the town of Seal Cove (ironically enough). The town’s mayor says that the bay has iced over, and that the dolphins have no way to escape.
“They keep going round circles, trying to keep this little pool of water open so that they can have their breathing area,” he tells the Associated Press.
“You can hear [them] crying all night long,” he says.
The mayor has asked Canada’s Fisheries Department to send crews in to help the dolphins and break the ice apart. As more ice forms, the risk of drowning increases, as the dolphins have less and less space to find air.
The mayor has thus far been told that “no boats were available,” according to the Associated Press.
UPDATE:
The ice has now moved off. But it was probably too late.
When fisheries officers first arrived they could hear the dolphins crying. Now – only silence. Fisheries Officer Linda Davis-Kettle: “We called the marine mammal assistance program and because of the nature and shallowness of the water, they couldn’t send anybody or do anything in breaking the ice up to create a path out.” They say it’s doubtful the ice cleared in time to save any of the dolphins.
Dolphins Stuck in Ice: Video…
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