Malaysia: Dead dolphin found washed ashore in Sarawak

The Star 12 Dec 15;


Local residents looking at the dolphin which washed ashore on Saturday morning.

KUCHING: A dead dolphin was found washed ashore on Tanjung Batu beach in Bintulu on Saturday morning.

Local residents came across the carcass, which was about two-metres-long and weighed over 100kg, at about 8am.

The rare sight attracted a number of visitors to the beach.

State Fire and Rescue assistant operations director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said the department was informed about the dolphin on Friday night when it was spotted by some villagers.

"When we reached the location, the dolphin was still alive but quite weak. We helped to release it back to the sea at 9.47pm.

"However, we then received information that it was found dead this morning," he said.


Stranded dolphin rescued, then found dead on beach
The Star 13 Dec 15;

KUCHING: A dolphin which was stranded at Tanjung Batu beach in Bintulu on Friday evening has been found dead.

Local residents came across the carcass, which was about two metres long and weighed over 100kg, on the beach at 8am yesterday.

It is believed to be from the Sousa chinensis species and appeared to have some cuts on its body.

The rare sight attracted curious onlookers, with photos of the dolphin circulated widely on social media.

A villager, who gave his name as Ambrose, said this was the first time he had seen a dead dolphin on the beach.

State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Farhan Sufyan Borhan said they received calls about the dolphin shortly after 7pm on Friday.

“When we reached the beach, the dolphin was still alive but in a weak condition. We released it back into the sea at 9.47pm when the tide was high.

“However, we were then informed by locals of its death,” he said.

Farhan said the dolphin was believed to have been washed into the state’s waters by strong waves.

“Based on its physical condition, it had probably not eaten for several days,” he said, adding that the relevant authorities would dispose of the carcass.

Dolphin dies one day after being rescued
ESTHER LANDAU New Straits Times 12 Dec 15;

BINTULU: A dolphin, which was initially rescued and set free last Friday, was found dead at the Tanjung Batu Beach near here this morning.

The carcass, which was two-metres-long and weighed more than 100kg, was discovered by locals about 8am. Locals found a two-metre-long carcass of a dolphin at the Tanjung Batu Beach, Bintulu this morning.

It was learnt that the dolphin was initially rescued and released back into the water by the district Fire and Rescue Department team after it had washed ashore by the residents on Friday night.

State Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Farhan Sufian said the department was informed of the discovery at 7.08pm on Friday.

“When our team arrived at the location, the dolphin was still alive but in weak condition. It was released back into the sea at 9.47pm last night.

“However, we later received information that the same dolphin was found dead this morning,” he said.

Farhan said based on its condition, they believed that the mammal had not been eating for several days. “At the time being, the carcass has yet to be taken away by the relevant authorities,” he added.