This article is from page 12 of the 2013-07-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A WOMAN was hospitalised after bring struck by Dusty the Doolin Dolphin in the water off Doolin Pier on Friday.
The woman, who is from Westport in Mayo, was struck in the abdomen and legs by the Dolphin – who has made Doolin it’s home for the past two years.
The woman received medical at- tention at the scheme and was transferred to hospital in Galway – but her injuries were not understood to be serious.
A number of reports of swimmers interfering with the dolphin have been reported in recent times. The woman was assisted by members of the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard, who have warned people not to get close to the Dusty.
“However it happened the dolphin hit her with her tail and she had lower abdomen pain. We tended her while she was waiting for the ambulance,” said Matty Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard.
“She [the dolphin] is a wild animal – people have to be careful. She enjoys the noises and vibrations of the boats and just because she swims in that area, does not give people the liberty to catch her and touch her. And that’s what’s happening.
“People seem to think that they can just catch her fin or catch her tail and when the dolphin gets frustrated then she is bound to strike back a little bit. She is perfectly fine and calm if people just give her her own room and space.
“Just like any wild animal tempers can vary. Just because one dolphin allows people to swim with them doesn’t mean that you can do it with all dolphins. People need to be aware that she is wild and she needs her space. If people want to see her that can see her from the top of the pier. People need to be responsible for themselves.”
The Doolin-based lifeguards were flying the red flag – signifying danger – at the time of the incident. It is now policy for the lifeguards to fly the red flag any time the dolphin enters the area.
A video taken last year showing Dusty getting angry with swimmers can be viewed on youtube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AAMFBvpPQ4.