Dead dolphins found at Lulworth and Portland

Members of Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team were contacted by a member of the public, who reported what they believed to be a dead porpoise at Stair Hole, Lulworth.

Coastguards investigating the sighting on Saturday evening discovered it to be a dead dolphin.

A spokesman for Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Following the report on Saturday evening, two coastguard team members visited the location on foot and soon found a decomposed dolphin.

The spokesman added: "Due to the hazardous location - an extremely wet, steep and slippery clay bank and rolling swell - it was deemed too risky to get near enough to take detailed measurements.

"The team sent photos to the National Marine Operations Centre (NMOC) and was then stood down.

"We would add that there is a strong chance that this is the same dolphin we were tasked to just over a week ago. It is very possible the spring tides have moved the dolphin further east."

A further sighting happened yesterday (Sunday January 12) when a team from Portland Bill Coastguard were called out to investigate a report of a dead dolphin at Chesil Cove.

A spokesman for Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Once located, the team took photographs and measurements which were then sent back to the NMOC. The team then returned to station."

There has been a spate of dead dolphin sightings recently.

Portland residents told of how they saw a dead dolphin washed a shore in December .

Then around the same date, in a separate incident, a dead dolphin and a dog were washed ashore following a storm.

On New Year's Eve coastguards in Weymouth attended a reports of a 'badly decomposed' dolphin at Bowleaze.

If you see a dolphin or sea mammal in distress call the coastguard on 999.

You can also call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.

For dead strandings contact the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme UK on 0800 652 0333 or email info@strandings.com

You can also contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.