A touching moment in a heartbreaking situation. The teenager who slipped into the water near Llandudno beach, believed to have drowned, was found surrounded by a pod of dolphins.
On Friday evening, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) launched a search and rescue operation for the missing 15-year-old girl who is thought to have slipped off the rocks and been swept away by rip currents.
Also read: UPDATE: body of 15-year-old girl swept away by Llandudno rip current found
The girl’s body was found on Saturday 29 October by an NSRI rescue craft approximately one kilometre from the shore. Her body was floating on the surface of the water, surrounded by a pod of dolphins.
Dolphins are notably sensitive creatures, and according to experts such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity, have a clear sense of death and loss. It is very possible that the dolphins understood the situation, as they displayed the type of mourning behaviour they show when their own young pass away.
Dolphins swim surrounding their deceased calves for a few days following their death, and it is likely that they were doing the same for the girl.
Sightings of dolphins at Llandudno are not unusual, and many surfers, sailors and people who swim regularly in the area have also experienced protection and care from dolphins at sea.
The teenager’s body was recovered by police divers and taken into the health and forensic pathology service of the government.
The inherent kindness displayed by the creatures who roam our seas brings some gentleness to this heartbreaking tragedy.
The girl’s friends and family have requested privacy during this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences to all of her loved ones.
Also read: