Marine medics were called out to Sewerby cliffs on Thursday (15 January, 2026) after a harbour porpoise was found stranded among the rocks.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) responded following reports from members of the public who spotted a marine animal at the base of the cliffs and feared it had badly injured its tail. Using the What3Words location app, medics were able to pinpoint the exact spot quickly, saving valuable time during the rescue.
When the team arrived, they found the porpoise lying on her side in a shallow rockpool and struggling. The animal was assessed and confirmed to be a 1.15-metre female in poor nutritional condition, suggesting she had been unable to feed properly for some time.
Medics also discovered several serious injuries across her body, along with scavenger damage around one eye and the jaw. Due to her condition, the porpoise was carefully carried up the steep steps at Sewerby to waiting transport so she could receive urgent veterinary attention.
Sadly, her injuries and poor health meant the kindest option was to humanely euthanise her to prevent further suffering.
The porpoise has now been passed to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP), where a post-mortem examination will be carried out to help determine what caused the stranding.
BDMLR thanked local people who reported the incident quickly and kept a safe distance while medics worked. The charity also thanked HM Coastguard, who remained on standby in case a refloat had been possible.
BDMLR spokesperson Em Mayman said: “Prompt reporting and accurate locations make a huge difference to how quickly we can respond and assess an animal’s welfare.”
Anyone who spots a stranded dolphin, porpoise or whale anywhere on the UK coastline is urged to call the BDMLR 24-hour rescue hotline on 01825 765546. Providing an accurate location, such as using the What3Words app, helps rescuers reach animals as fast as possible.
