On Wednesday 12 April BDMLR received a call alerting us to a stranded harbour porpoise in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. The first Medic arrived on scene late afternoon and upon arrival found the informant standing in shallow water keeping the porpoise upright. A health check showed the porpoise was in good condition with no obvious wounds or any significant skin damage, some minor bleeding on leading edges of the tail and a few abrasions on one side. The porpoise was confirmed to be a male.

Additional Medics arrived and supported him in an upright position as they monitored his breathing rate. With 11 breaths per minute and occasionally shuddering, he was clearly stressed. The local weather conditions were extremely windy with waves coming in so strong Medics struggled to maintain their own balance and keep hold of the porpoise. Once in the water, he became very energetic and swam out quickly and strongly through the waves and disappeared from sight, only to suddenly reappear approx. 50 yards up the beach.

Another attempt was made and again the porpoise swam off immediately only to be pushed back onto the beach. Third and fourth attempts were made also with the same outcome. With a straight coastline, no better position in which to attempt a refloat and dangerous conditions for Medics, hope was fading. Medics also made attempts to acquire a boat to clear the breakers as then it would have a better chance, but to no avail.

The team agreed to try one final refloat at 19:40 but by this point the porpoise barely had the energy to swim far and as before was washed back in. After four hours in and out of the water, fading sunlight and an exhausted porpoise and Medics, the team decided it was time to call local vets. The porpoise was sadly euthanised.

All rescues are different. Some fairly simple and others incredibly dangerous. This was a dangerous rescue for all involved due to the adverse weather conditions. The Medic team in Aberdeenshire would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the golf course nearby as they were extremely supportive, offering the use of their facilities and hot drinks to those coming off the beach. Thank you!