A baby dolphin who stranded itself on a UK beach had to be saved in a dramatic rescue mission.
The dolphin, dubbed Brian, is thought to have beached itself after chasing a salmon also seen in the waters, according to Sheila Stone from the British Diver Marine Life Rescue.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to reports of a young male dolphin stranded in shallow water off Flood Lane, in Faversham.
Crews from the animal rescue and water safety units attended, as well as one fire engine and as the dive rescue team.
Dramatic images from the shore show the team wading in the waist-high water as they scoop the dolphin from the water using tarpaulin.
Working together the team managed to move the creature onto the animal rescue unit using mud paths.
With the animal safely on-board, the crew headed to Harty Ferry coastal point, assisted by Kent Police, and released it back into the wild.
Sheila Stone from the diving unit said: “We think the male juvenile was chasing a salmon also seen in the waters and got himself into trouble."
Brian was eventually plucked from the river, moved to the back of a lorry and driving to deeper waters for a successful release.
The Kent Fire and Rescue Service wrote on Twitter : "Crews from the animal rescue unit and the water safety unit attended, as well as one fire engine and British Diver Marine Life Rescue.
"Wearing drysuits, the team worked together to move the dolphin onto the animal rescue unit vehicle by using mud paths.
"With the animal safely on-board, the crew headed to Harty Ferry coastal point, assisted by Kent Police, and released it back into the wild."
Earlier this year, horrific images emerged from Japan's notorious Red Cove of dolphins being slaughtered by the dozen.
A pod of 40 dolphins were driven into nets at the infamous cove in Taiji - a small coastal town known for the cruel hunt.
Some of the striped dolphins were destined to spend their lives in tanks in marine parks and aquariums around the world. Those not suitable for the shows are slaughtered for meat.
But Ren Yabuki, director of Life Investigation Agency, a not-for-profit organisation, said last week an "entire family was slaughtered" turning the waters of the quiet cove "red with blood."
He urged Brits "not to buy tickets to aquariums and dolphin shows which are supporting these cruel hunts."
