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Brothers rescue 'terrified' swimmer from dolphin at Lyme Bay | Brothers rescue 'terrified' swimmer from dolphin at Lyme Bay |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Brothers Gareth (front) and Rhys Paterson were kayaking in Lyme Bay | Brothers Gareth (front) and Rhys Paterson were kayaking in Lyme Bay |
A pair of kayakers have described rescuing two women in separate incidents after a dolphin began pushing them underwater. | A pair of kayakers have described rescuing two women in separate incidents after a dolphin began pushing them underwater. |
Brothers Rhys and Gareth Paterson said they saw the animal jump on one swimmer's back and force her head below the surface at Lyme Bay in Dorset on Thursday. | Brothers Rhys and Gareth Paterson said they saw the animal jump on one swimmer's back and force her head below the surface at Lyme Bay in Dorset on Thursday. |
"She was kind of gasping for air," said Rhys. "She was terrified." They later saw the dolphin do "exactly the same thing" to another woman. | "She was kind of gasping for air," said Rhys. "She was terrified." They later saw the dolphin do "exactly the same thing" to another woman. |
Experts from the Marine Management Organisation have warned that dolphins are "unpredictable wild animals" and advised swimmers to stay at least 100m (328ft) away. | Experts from the Marine Management Organisation have warned that dolphins are "unpredictable wild animals" and advised swimmers to stay at least 100m (328ft) away. |
They also reminded people that dolphins, whales and porpoises are protected by law. | |
The bottlenose dolphin, known as Reggie to locals, was first spotted in the bay earlier this year and has become a regular visitor - to the excitement of residents and tourists. | The bottlenose dolphin, known as Reggie to locals, was first spotted in the bay earlier this year and has become a regular visitor - to the excitement of residents and tourists. |
While many have welcomed his visits, marine experts say human interaction can cause dolphins to lose their natural wariness and become aggressive. | While many have welcomed his visits, marine experts say human interaction can cause dolphins to lose their natural wariness and become aggressive. |
This appears to be what the brothers witnessed when they spotted the first swimmer in distress about 200m (656ft) from shore. | This appears to be what the brothers witnessed when they spotted the first swimmer in distress about 200m (656ft) from shore. |
Reggie the Dolphin (pictured in July) was previously injured, which experts say was likely caused by a boat propeller | Reggie the Dolphin (pictured in July) was previously injured, which experts say was likely caused by a boat propeller |
Rhys said they saw the dolphin jump on the woman's back. | Rhys said they saw the dolphin jump on the woman's back. |
"We thought he was doing what he normally does – just a bit of fun," he said. | "We thought he was doing what he normally does – just a bit of fun," he said. |
But after hearing her scream, they paddled over and saw the dolphin repeatedly push her head underwater. | But after hearing her scream, they paddled over and saw the dolphin repeatedly push her head underwater. |
After bringing her back to shore, they returned to the water and saw the same dolphin targeting another woman, who was holding onto a yellow buoy while "looking panicked". | After bringing her back to shore, they returned to the water and saw the same dolphin targeting another woman, who was holding onto a yellow buoy while "looking panicked". |
Rhys said swimmers should try to get back to shore as quickly as possible if they spot the animal. | Rhys said swimmers should try to get back to shore as quickly as possible if they spot the animal. |
"I think it's only a matter of time before the dolphin gets hurt or someone gets seriously hurt," he said. "It is a wild animal, as exciting as it is. | "I think it's only a matter of time before the dolphin gets hurt or someone gets seriously hurt," he said. "It is a wild animal, as exciting as it is. |
"I think it's up to everyone now to start respecting its space a little bit more. | "I think it's up to everyone now to start respecting its space a little bit more. |
"If we weren't there that day I think something bad could have potentially happened." | "If we weren't there that day I think something bad could have potentially happened." |
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