A lone dolphin was spotted very close to shore in the West End today [Aug 12], and the Marine Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of what appeared to be a distressed marine mammal at Somerset Long Bay.

Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said the Marine Police are liaising with Dolphin Quest and relevant marine stakeholders to seek a suitable outcome. Details are limited at this time, however we will update as able.

Update 3.02pm: The dolphin is still close to shore, and personnel from the Marine Police and Dolphin Quest remain on scene.

Someone who was on scene this morning told Bernews that the dolphin just appeared by the Nine Beaches Cottages this morning, and children and adults have been swimming with it, and the dolphin did “not seem at all bothered.”

The person said it would swim away about 50 yards, then come back and play around. He said the Dolphin Quest staff arrived and started ordering people not to go near the dolphin.

Update 3.58pm: Personnel from the Aquarium and Dolphin Quest remain on scene.