A dolphin has been dramatically rescued after beaching itself in Melbourne.
Water police were called to Greenwich Reserve in Williamstown just after 4pm on Monday to assist the animal, which had got into trouble in shallow water in Port Phillip Bay.
Marine animal experts from Melbourne Zoo requested police assistance and were aided by two inflatable rescue boats carrying four officers.
A sling was made to tow the marooned mammal into deeper water, with a fifth police member stationed on shore to watch over the rescue effort.
Animal experts assessed the dolphin before it was successfully released.
Leading Senior Constable Tony Christensen said the police team were “privileged” to be a part of the animal’s rescue.
“Our members often see dolphins in the bay during patrols and it’s great to see this one back where it belongs,” he said.
“We hope to cross paths again – but this time well away from shore.”
