Elusive dolphin seen in Grand Harbour
The dolphin in Grand Harbour this afternoon.
Updated - Grand Harbour has an unusual visitor - a dolphin.
The mammal was seen near fishmarket this afternoon, but may actually have been in Grand Harbour for some days.
A spokesman for Nature Trust said its Marine Rescue Team was monitoring the situation and it had notified Mepa, which is the authority responsible on such matters. A vet will be called if necessary.
A Mepa spokesman said an enforcement officer was monitoring the situation and action would be taken if the dolphin was in distress.
However the dolphin was not seen for the remainder of the afternoon, even though officials searched for it on a number of boats.
This dolphin was also spotted from Vittoriosa by a group of friends out for a stroll yesterday. Jimmy Grima and his friends reported the dolphin to Nature Trust as it appeared to be confused and tired. Nature Trust informed them they would send a boat to escort the animal out to sea.
Mr Grima said locals in the Three Cities had told him the dolphin had been spotted in the harbour several times over recent days.
Picture Jimmy Grima mynews@timesofmalta.com
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
8 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Walter Joseph Attard
Apr 23rd 2011, 21:48
Wish i was there! Its hard to see a dolphin nowadays!
Mr Nyal Xuereb
Apr 24th 2011, 07:03
I disagree. No its not hard to see a Dolphin "nowadays". All you have to do is get into a boat and just go out to sea. It's rare that I do not encounter Dolphin's while fishing.
Joseph Vassallo
Apr 23rd 2011, 19:59
"... it appeared to be confused and tired..." What does a confused and tired dolphin look like then?
I saw three of them in the Solent once but I couldn't tell you whether they looked confused or tired although they did look peeved at all the boats going out to see them; they are much rarer in the Solent then they are in the Mediterranean.
Mr Terry Tibbs
Apr 23rd 2011, 19:14
I don't really think pollution is the problem, it's overfishing !
A.f Ellul
Apr 23rd 2011, 19:08
At last,dolphins are entering near the land,means that sharks stay far away.protect the dolphins,these animals are friendly and protect us.
Kenneth Grima
Apr 23rd 2011, 20:17
@A.F ELLUL
Please be careful what you say as it is not true that where dolphins are the sharks are far. Sharks prey on dolphins and where there are dophins sharks could be near by. What you said is just a myth. Please watch Animal Planet and Net Geo Wild or read some of the latest science magazines and you will see.
Victor Rodenas
Apr 23rd 2011, 17:18
Years ago dolphins entering Grand Harbour or Marsamxett Harbour was a common sight.Once I saw a swordfish attacking a school of `lacci` or `imsell` at the surface about 200Mts. inside the Grand Harbour, it was something that remained printed in my mind.Fish stocks are vanising from our harbours,the culprit is mostly pollution.Before our harbours used to be dredged periodically,now not any more.Before the silt is removed from the seabed (the place were the eggs of the fish hatch)we will see less and less fish.To-morrow will be too late.
Jesmond Micallef
Apr 23rd 2011, 17:53
I will never forget the beautiful sight of a pair of dolphins I was fortunate enough to witness once from the cliffs at Hal Far, whilst standing right next to the steps which lead down to Hasan's Cave. These natural swimmers of the sea are fast and jump into the air with that joyous freedom they so thoroughly enjoy. Lovely animals.