A DOLPHIN who ended up on the Dorset coast after being battered by storm waves has been successfully refloated.

Medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity were called to a beach near Lyme Regis on Tuesday after reports the mammal had washed up and got stranded.

“Struggling to get to the scene (slowed by flooded roads) the first Medic found the dolphin back in the water, swimming, but being violently tossed in storm waves,” a BDMLR spokesperson said.

“However, with terrible conditions on the beach (including recent cliff falls) medics could only monitor the dolphin until a large wave rolled it to a position where it could be reached and moved for an assessment.”

The dolphin was found on the Dorset coast, near Lyme Regis. Pictures: Chris Berry/BDMLR

A young male, the dolphin had some superficial wounds and was clearly stressed, they said, but was healthy enough to be refloated.

“However, due to the poor conditions it was not safe to refloat him in the current area, and after discussion with the hotline coordinator and our vet it was agreed that he would be relocated to a more sheltered spot,” they went on.

“On arrival at the new site he was allowed to rest, and after a short time he headed out to deeper water, with medics taking time to walk the beach, seeing no further sign of him.

The dolphin was found on the Dorset coast, near Lyme Regis. Pictures: Chris Berry/BDMLR

“In good condition, and with no sign of him the next day, we hope that he goes on to live a healthy and long life.”

The charity thanked the medics who attended the incident, and also thanked The Harbour Inn, in Lyme Regis, which offered “very well deserved free drinks and soup”.

The dolphin was found on the Dorset coast, near Lyme Regis. Pictures: Chris Berry/BDMLR