Historic Dolphin Rescue at Cape Cod: Largest Stranding in US History

Over 100 dolphins were stranded on the Cape Cod shoreline in an unprecedented event that began on June 28. The International Fund for Animal Welfare led efforts to rescue the dolphins, ultimately saving 102 of the 146 involved. The response included the use of mobile clinics and satellite tracking for safe relocation.

Rescuers have confirmed that the mass stranding of dolphins on the Cape Cod shoreline, which began June 28, was the largest such event in US history.

While previous incidents occurred in Hawaii and the Florida Keys, the Cape Cod event had the highest number of beached dolphins, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which led the rescue efforts.

Data and aerial imagery revealed that 146 dolphins were involved in the stranding. Of these, 102 survived, 37 naturally succumbed, and seven were euthanized.

Efforts to rescue, relocate, and release these dolphins have persisted, including a notable operation on July 2, where nine were transported using a custom-built mobile dolphin rescue clinic.

Despite numerous challenges, including difficult mud conditions and widespread dolphin locations, rescuers utilized underwater pingers and small boats to guide the animals back to open water.

Volunteers and partner organizations, such as Whale and Dolphin Conservation and the New England Aquarium, significantly contributed to the overall effort, which saw a 70 percent survival rate deemed a success.

Subsequent reports confirmed that some rescued dolphins are now swimming safely offshore.

(With inputs from agencies.)