Rescued dolphins released into sea

The dolphins were inspected by a vet before being released

Two dolphins rescued by the RSPCA from a Devon harbour have been safely released back into the sea.

The pair were stranded in Brixham Harbour for more than 36 hours, and it was feared if action was not taken they would die.

The RSPCA captured the dolphins on Thursday night and brought them ashore.

They were then inspected by a vet, who decided they were well enough to release back into the sea.

The RSPCA took the decision to capture the two dolphins as they feared they were in distress.

Social creatures

They had been circling the harbour and breathing erratically.

The previous night they were beached, but a local harbour worker put them back in the water.

Rescuers coaxed the dolphins onto a slipway

It was feared one was injured, and with dolphins being social creatures, the other would not leave without him.

The RSPCA wanted to pull them ashore when they swam into shallow water.

But with the light fading they had only one choice and that was to go and catch them.

With the help of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and some local canoeists, they encircled the dolphins and coaxed them onto the slipway.

They eventually managed to get them ashore.

They were examined by a vet, who gave them high energy drinks and released them back into deep water.

The RSPCA is now checking to ensure they do not return to the harbour.