Seven dolphins die in Ireland after mass stranding

2025, December 21-22. Ireland, Ballyvaughan. A mass Stranding of 27 common dolphins in, Co. Clare on Sunday. The dolphins were in good body condition, suggesting they were healthy before the event. The most likely cause was navigational error on a dropping tide, leaving the pelagic pod trapped in shallow, muddy terrain. Sunday Response: The area was extremely difficult to work in due to deep mud, limiting intervention. Responders waited for the incoming tide to refloat the animals safely. 4 dolphins refloated around 13:30, and 24 more shortly before 15:00. Responders assisted several dolphins, including calves swimming in the wrong direction. 7 dolphins died, mostly those stranded on their sides. The remaining dolphins were seen swimming into deeper water as the tide rose. Monday Update: Several dolphins were again found in shallow water early Monday. Volunteers and NPWS located 8 dolphins, kept them upright, monitored them, and waited for the tide. All 8 were successfully refloated and herded out of the bay. No dolphins were seen afterward, suggesting they remained offshore. See November 29th post.

Images: Irish Whale and Dolphin Group