CAPE MAY COURTHOUSE, NJ – A rescue operation conducted by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, along with various state, federal, and local agencies, ended in tragedy this morning, May 24 when a Bottlenose dolphin died during an attempted rescue in Skeeter Island Creek.
The center assembled a team of over a dozen people and utilized three boats in a highly coordinated effort to save the dolphin. Initially, rescuers attempted less-invasive herding techniques using specialized equipment to guide the dolphin out of the area without physical contact. However, these methods were unsuccessful.
Faced with no other options, the team resorted to an in-water capture using nets. Tragically, the dolphin panicked upon being enclosed and died within two minutes of capture. The dolphin was immediately transported to the New Jersey Animal Health and Diagnostic Lab for a full necropsy, and preparations are underway to submit samples for acoustic testing.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the extreme challenges faced when rescuing cetaceans that stray from their natural ocean habitats into unfamiliar and stressful environments.
The center extended its gratitude to all participants in the rescue attempt, including the Middle Township Fire Department, Police Department, Dive Team, EMS, NJ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers, and the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, acknowledging the collective effort despite the unfortunate outcome.