Carcass of dolphin found on Bowleaze Cove

Imran Kelly, 45 from Yeovil and his son Jonah, 7, found the carcass on Bowleaze Cove close to Waterside Holiday Park. 

Imran said: "We just thought it was a piece of fish but then we realised how big it was.

"It looked around 3 and a half to 4 foot long. It just looked very mysterious because it was all shirred and quite decomposed looking. It just seemed very odd. My son was very curious but I had to stop him from touching it as it was putrid" 

Carcass found on Bowleaze Cove (Image: Imran Kelly)

Dorset Wildlife Trust stated that while it is difficult to identify the exact species due to the rate of decomposition, it is likely a dolphin. 

A spokesperson for the trust said: "I can’t tell the exact species, but it looks like it’s a dolphin.  We have recorded a number of different cetaceans (the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises) around the Dorset coast. 

"Cetaceans can carry harmful diseases which could be transmitted to us when they are alive or dead.   We would advise people never to get too close or touch a carcass and it’s a good idea to keep dogs under control or on a lead."

The skeleton of the carcass (Image: Imran Kelly)

Mr Kelly found the carcass on Sunday, April 28 but didn't report it to any wildlife bodies. He said he should have done in retrospect and is now encouraging anyone who comes across a find like this to call up any wildlife rescue teams in the area. 

He said: "I would encourage people to report it. I didn’t report it to any wildlife bodies but I probably should have done. Especially if it’s a large creature like this it is worth doing more investigation as it might be a very interesting discovery."   

Dorset Wildlife Trust added: "Whilst it is sad to see a dead dolphin washed up on the beach it’s still important to report these strandings. Please let us know or report directly to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) on 0800 652 0333.  

"This information offers a glimpse into the health of our local seas. It can also help to provide a better understanding of what species are found around the UK and their distribution.

"In some cases, the carcass will be retrieved by CSIP so that they can carry out further examinations to try and identify any factors that may have contributed to its death. "