Dolphin spotted in River Great Ouse near King's Lynn dies

The creatures - a mother and its calf - were seen heading up the River Great Ouse, past King's Lynn, last week.

They carried on upstream, where the calf got into difficulties after becoming trapped in reeds on the edge of the New Bedford River, which runs off the Great Ouse.

Experts from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called at 7.30pm on September 2 to assist the dolphin, near to the fenland village of Pymoor, in Cambridgeshire - around 45 miles from the coast.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called to reports of a dolphin trapped in the reeds (Image: Abs Ginimav)

The Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were also called to assist, as the dolphin had become wedged deep into the reeds and separated from its mother.

It was still dependent on its mother, who could not be seen, and was stressed and suffering some injuries.

READ MORE: Bottlenose dolphins filmed off north Norfolk coast

The calf was released, but after struggling in the water, a vet was called and the dolphin was euthanized on welfare grounds at 1am.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called to reports of a dolphin trapped in the reeds (Image: Abs Ginimav)

The BDMLR said it took the decision as there is no facility in the UK set up for short-term care of a cetacean.

READ MORE: Bottlenose dolphins spotted in Norfolk not seen in UK before

The Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme will now carry out a post-mortem examination to determine how long the creature has been in the river.

The BDMLR continue to search for the other dolphin to track its movements and monitor its health.

They have reminded the public that this species is protected by law from disturbance and should not be approached or interfered with.

Charlie Racher spotted the two dolphins in the River Great Ouse on August 29, at Cross Bank Road, in King's Lynn.

The pair were later spotted in the water by Downham Market.