Search resumes for Clyde dolphin

Hopes are fading that the Risso's dolphin will survive

Marine conservationists are continuing their search for a dolphin which swam up the River Clyde at the weekend.

The Risso's Dolphin was last seen at about 1130 BST on Monday near Yoker, heading down river towards Clydebank.

The team monitoring the creature is focusing on sandbanks near the Erskine Bridge in case it becomes stranded.

Risso's Dolphins usually feed on deep sea squid in the Atlantic Ocean. One vet has warned that the Clyde dolphin is emaciated and "unlikely" to survive.

Members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) plan to go out in boats near Yoker in search of the mammal.

We are very concerned about how thin it is but dolphins will only take live prey and it would be impossible to secure live deep sea squid from out in the Atlantic Nick Duthie, BDMLR director

They said they would not be able to feed the dolphin if they find it but will assess its condition and could give it fluids.

BDMLR director Nick Duthie said: "We are very concerned about how thin it is but dolphins will only take live prey and it would be impossible to secure live deep sea squid from out in the Atlantic."

He has said it would not be safe to "grab" the dolphin as it could be dangerous for the rescuers and too risky for the dolphin. He said the best chance to help the animal would be if it stranded itself on land.

Tony Woodley, also of BDMLR, said hopes were fading that the dolphin would survive.

He said: "It is very, very thin and it is completely out of its normal environment.

"It is very unlikely it is going to survive."

BDMLR, assisted by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, failed in an attempt to guide the dolphin towards the sea on Sunday.