(This story has been updated with new information.)
Beachgoers Monday evening June 15 tried to free a dolphin beached in shallow Gulf waters at Clam Pass in Naples.
The dolphin was among a group of four or five who were stuck in a shallow tide pool when the tide went out.
One of the rescuers, Naples resident Toni Marie Silverman, alerted Florida Fish & Wildlife by phone around 6 p.m. June 15 after noticing a group of kids gathering around the dolphins.
Beachgoers called Florida Fish & Wildlife for advice
At about 6:15 p.m., all the dolphins except one escaped. Silverman said the remaining dolphin was the largest of the group and closest to shore.
After receiving directions from FWC, the beachgoers assisted the remaining dolphin in keeping its blowhole above water while waiting for wildlife officers and deputies to arrive.
Around 7:30 p.m., the beachgoers started pushing the dolphin to freedom, with Collier Sheriff’s deputies arriving in time to help with the final push off the sandbar and back into the ocean at 7:50 p.m.
“It made my day to see the dolphin released back into the ocean,” Silverman said. “I hope he’s with his dolphin family and friends now.”
Watch: The dolphin struggled even after others escaped
Alexa Ryan is a reporter for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her at Alexa.Ryan@naplesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Beachgoers rush to save stranded dolphin at Clam Pass in Naples
Reporting by Alexa Ryan, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alexa Ryan, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
