Fears ‘tormented’ dolphin may kill a swimmer

An expert has warned that a dolphin, “tormented” by some swimmers, may kill someone or the mammal may have to be removed or destroyed.

Four people have been injured off Doolin, Co Clare, in recent weeks by the dolphin, known by locals as ‘Dusty’.

The mammal, it is believed, had been antagonised by some swimmers, particularly during the recent fine weather.

One group of local campers, it emerged, allegedly attempted to pour cider down her blowhole.

Others have been jumping on the dolphin or tried grabbing her fin. As a result, she has ‘rammed’ swimmers and it is now feared she will kill someone.

The most serious of four recent incidents occurred last Sunday when a swimmer sustained a compressed vertebrae, broken rib and injuries to her lungs after she was ‘rammed’ by the dolphin.

She was later airlifted for treatment to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.

Dr Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin (IWDG) said yesterday: “Clearly this level of injury is very serious and a fatal attack could easily happen.

“IWDG would request people not to enter the water with this bottlenose dolphin, or any dolphin for that matter.

“Clearly a contingency plan needs to be developed with the relevant and competent authorities in the near future on management of Dusty and people in Doolin. But, at present, we would like to get through what remains of the summer without further incident,” Dr Berrow said.

The group says it acknowledges many people have had “fantastic encounters” with Dusty and have built up “personal relationships” with her.

However, Dr Berrow said: “We are very concerned many visitors don’t recognise the signals that Dusty sends out when she is not happy with their behaviour. Ignoring such signs or behaving inappropriately has led to aggressive interactions with some people being severely injured.

“If this continues, it may lead to a fatality and there will be strong pressure to remove or destroy the dolphin.”

The dolphin was first spotted in north Clare in 2000 where she frequented an area known as “the jump” near Doolin.

Later, she moved to Fanore where she attacked and seriously injured a swimmer. She also spent extended periods in the Spanish Point area but later returned to Doolin.

Dr Berrow said: “IWDG, together with the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, will continue to monitor the situation and work with the local community and authorities to ensure the dolphin, and people, do not come to harm.”

Clare County Council’s lifeguards based at Doolin have been instructed to fly their red danger flag if the dolphin is spotted, even if swimming conditions are safe.