Quick-Thinking Residents Save Over a Dozen Trapped Dolphins in Dramatic Rescue Effort

Residents in Heart's Delight-Islington sprang into action to save the lives of over a dozen stranded dolphins trapped in the ice, thanks to a quick response from the local whale release and rescue group.

The rescue effort was not without its difficulties, as tricky ice conditions made it challenging for the team to transport the dolphins to safety. The group eventually decided to move the animals to the nearby community of Whiteway, where there was more open water.

Although at least three dolphins died over the weekend, the number would have been much higher if it weren't for the efforts of the residents. However, there are concerns that the winter's northeasterly winds have moved sea ice into pockets around Trinity Bay, creating a risk to other animals. Whale Release & Strandings is urging residents to contact them if they spot any animals trapped in the ice. "It's amazing to watch and be part of, actually…There's no playbook wrote on it, it just happens so quick. And people, you know, you gotta react quick," said Wayne Ledwell, a member of the Whale Release & Strandings team.

Residents in Heart's Delight-Islington sprang into action to save the lives of over a dozen stranded dolphins trapped in the ice, thanks to a quick response from the local whale release and rescue group.

The rescue effort was not without its difficulties, as tricky ice conditions made it challenging for the team to transport the dolphins to safety. The group eventually decided to move the animals to the nearby community of Whiteway, where there was more open water. Although at least three dolphins died over the weekend, the number would have been much higher if it weren't for the efforts of the residents.

However, there are concerns that the winter's northeasterly winds have moved sea ice into pockets around Trinity Bay, creating a risk to other animals. Whale Release & Strandings is urging residents to contact them if they spot any animals trapped in the ice.

"It's amazing to watch and be part of, actually…There's no playbook wrote on it, it just happens so quick. And people, you know, you gotta react quick," said Wayne Ledwell, a member of the Whale Release & Strandings team.

Everett Sacrey, left, and Wayne Ledwell are part of the Whale Release & Strandings team that helped rescue more than a dozen dolphins trapped by ice in the waters of Trinity Bay. (CBC)

If an animal is spotted trapped in the ice, Ledwell said residents should call Whale Release & Strandings or the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.