Washed up: Risso’s dolphin meets tragic end on Kata Noi Beach

Tragedy struck the shores of Thailand as officials confirmed yesterday the discovery of a rare Risso’s dolphin carcass, tragically entangled in a pile of rubbish on Kata Noi Beach in Phuket. Residents and lifeguards sounded the alarm around 7am, yesterday, September 22, alerting the Rare and Endangered Marine Animals Group, part of the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (MCRC).

Upon arriving at the scene, officers were met with a devastating sight: the lifeless body of the rare dolphin, ensnared among boulders and a heap of debris that included concrete blocks, wood, and plastic.

The exact circumstances surrounding this grim find remain unclear. Officials speculate whether the dolphin washed ashore during the recent bout of severe weather and became trapped in the rubbish, or if it drifted in already deceased and got entangled afterwards.

What is certain is that this unfortunate marine creature was a Risso’s dolphin, a rare species typically found in deep seas. Risso’s dolphins, reportedly, are “the only species of the genus Grampus,” with close relatives including pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, and false killer whales.

This particular dolphin, an adult measuring roughly 4 metres and weighing over 100 kilogrammes, bore visible wounds and abrasions. Preliminary theories suggest the recent extreme weather, with its strong winds and powerful waves, might have played a role in inflicting these injuries.

The turbulent conditions could have exacerbated the dolphin’s plight by damaging coral reefs, potentially harming the mammal.

However, photographs released by Karon police hint at another sombre possibility: that some of the debris entangling the dolphin was man-made. This raises concerns about the ongoing impact of human negligence on marine wildlife, Phuket News reported.

In a bid to uncover the truth behind this marine tragedy, officers enlisted the help of Karon police and officials from Karon Municipality. Together, they carefully lifted the dolphin’s body onto the MCRC truck, transporting it back to the facility for a thorough post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

This heart-wrenching incident casts a harsh spotlight on the plight of our oceans’ most vulnerable inhabitants, serving as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of environmental neglect.