It was a field day for a family and the residents near the beach in Canning, Nova Scotia, as everyone rallied to rescue the dolphins stuck in mud after a low tide left them stranded.

Melissa Pineo and her family saw about a dozen dolphins near their home, but as the tide went out, the dolphins got trapped in mud and were making loud, upset sounds. While Melissa’s mom called 911 and anyone else who could help, Melissa’s partner, her dad, and some neighbours jumped right into the mud to pull the dolphins back into deeper water. Soon, the community came together to help release the group of dolphins back into the water. People used their hands and ropes to try to save the dolphins, and as more people heard what was happening, they came to help as well.

A local marine and diving company brought a boat to help rescuers reach the dolphins, using special tools to gently wiggle them out of the mud. There were also worries about people getting stuck, so the fire department came to assist.

Locals and the Marine Animal Response Society stepped in to help, and when the tide came back in, it got easier for the rescuers struggling with mud to free the dolphins. Eventually, the dolphins were guided back into deeper water using the dive boat. They were overheated and confused at first, but with help from everyone, the stranded dolphins made their way safely back to the Bay of Fundy.

Source: Meig Campbell, CBC