Beached dolphin saved in ‘fin-tastic’ Williamstown rescue

Watch the remarkable footage as a team of marine animal experts and water police saved a stranded dolphin in Port Phillip Bay.

A remarkable effort by marine animal experts and water police officers saved a dolphin’s life after it was stranded in mud by the low tide just off Hobsons Bay.

Emergency services including Zoos Victoria were called to the beached animal near Greenwich Reserve in Williamstown just after 4pm on Monday

“My first thought was let’s hope it’s not a shark,” leading senior constable Matthew Webb said.

“He had been seen there in the morning chasing fish.

“I believe someone had noticed the dolphin and called for help. He was well and truly stuck in the mud.”

Police deployed two inflatable rescue boats and four officers to assist the rescue operation, using a sling to tow the marooned mammal into deeper water.

There the 80kg dolphin was made to rest for an hour and assessed by a vet, where he was given a clean bill of health and successfully released.

Marine animal experts and police were able to rescue a beached dolphin at Greenwich Reserve in Williamstown on February 7, 2022. Video: Victoria Police

Melbourne Zoo marine response co-ordinator Mark Keenan said the poor creature had been spotted thrashing about in the low tide attempting to free itself.

“When we first arrived, the dolphin was essentially stuck in mud,” he said.

“It was thrashing trying to clear itself and it’s blowhole of the mud and water so that it could breathe.”

About 150 dolphins live in the waters around Port Phillip Bay, including about 120 bottlenose dolphins and 30 short-beaked common dolphins.

Leading senior constable Tony Christensen, who was involved in the rescue effort, said it was a privilege to help save the “amazing creature”.

“Our members often see dolphins in the Bay during patrols and it’s great to see this one back where it belongs,” he said.

“We hope to cross paths again, but this time away from the shore.”

Anyone who sees injured marine wildlife can call the Melbourne Zoo marine response unit on 1300 245 678.