Members of the public have helped save the lives of three dolphins after the mammals washed ashore at a bay in Orkney.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said the local residents sprang into action over the weekend and “did an incredible job” of administering first aid until medics arrived from the mainland.

The charity also thanked RNLI Kirkwall, Westray Coastguard team, and the experts who took “the time to help these wonderful animals in their time of need”.

The trio of Risso’s dolphins were successfully refloated back into the sea.

A BDMLR spokesperson told Sky News: “As far as we are aware, the dolphins haven’t stranded again anywhere.”

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What to do if you find a stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise on a beach:

• Do not put them back into the sea. They may need treatment or a period of recovery before they are fit enough to swim strongly. They may be too ill and any attempts to return them to the water could prolong their suffering.

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• Call the BDMLR on 01825 765546. A team of trained marine mammal medics will then be dispatched to assist.

While you’re waiting for the experts to arrive, follow the five Ps:

• Protection: Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) can carry viruses transmissible to humans and vice versa, so please put on a facemask and gloves before doing anything else. Avoid the blowhole (the breathing hole at the top) for any discharge and steer clear of the tail in case it is thrashing.

• Positioning: Upright any animals on their side by gently rolling them onto their underbelly – you may need some people to help with this. Dig trenches under the pectoral fins so as they can hang down comfortably.

• Pour water: If the animal is completely stranded on land, pour water over it to keep its skin moist, ensuring that nothing goes down the blowhole. A thin sheet, or even seaweed, can be soaked with water and draped over the mammal, but again avoid covering the blowhole so as it can breathe.

• People: Keep noise and the number of people around the animal to a minimum to reduce stress. Continue to keep it wet and wait for the BDMLR to arrive. Everyone must be kept safe first and foremost, so do not put yourself in danger with tides, bad weather, rough seas and so on.

• Photos: Take and send clear photos and videos to the BDMLR call handler so next steps can be considered.

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A BDMLR spokesperson said: “Following these steps gives the animal their best chance at survival.

“Our team of trained marine mammal medics will be with you shortly and will act on what’s best for the animal’s welfare.”

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