DUMAGUETE CITY – A mass stranding in Bais City, Negros Oriental, led to the death of two dolphins and the rescue of three others on January 25. The dolphins were spotted in shallow waters near Sitio Pambutan, Barangay Canlargo, where more than 30 marine mammals had gathered.
Police reports confirm that two female dolphins were found dead after being trapped in the mangroves. A third deceased dolphin remains unrecovered due to rising tides, but efforts to retrieve it will resume when weather conditions improve. The Coast Guard, local police, and civilians joined forces to assist in the rescue operation.
The first dead dolphin, discovered at 10:40 a.m., weighed approximately 75 kilograms and measured 216 cm in length. The second, found later at 2:15 p.m., was of similar size, with a length of 216 cm and a width of 111 cm. Both showed signs of injury, likely from the stranding. City veterinarians Dr. Melanie Pescadilla and Cyron Maraña conducted necropsies and took samples for analysis.
Three injured dolphins were successfully treated and released back into the sea, while the Coast Guard continues to monitor the area to prevent further strandings.
The dolphins’ bodies have been buried at the city landfill, and authorities are investigating the cause of the stranding.
IA/MNM