Possible porpoise spotted swimming in Ipswich river

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

A possible porpoise has been spotted in the River Gipping or River Orwell in Ipswich, appearing to be tangled in rope.

A possible porpoise or common dolphin has been spotted swimming in the River Gipping in Ipswich. Fire crews were called to the river near the B&B Hotel on Wednesday after reports of the animal. The creature appeared to be tangled in rope and struggling, prompting an emergency response.

Experts from British Divers Marine Life Rescue attended the scene to attempt to help the animal make its way back to sea. Crowds gathered to watch the mammal, with one witness describing it as "amazing to see" and "quite a spectacle", though expressing concern about the animal becoming injured.

Harbour porpoises are usually found in coastal waters around the UK but can occasionally travel into estuaries and tidal rivers. The River Gipping becomes the tidal River Orwell downstream, providing a route from the North Sea into central Ipswich. The exact species of the animal has not yet been confirmed.

How it is being reported

• Watch: Possible porpoise spotted swimming in riverThe black-finned mammal which was spotted in Ipswich is believed to be tangled in ropeBBC Suffolk · 14 Oct, 15:59
• Rare visitor spotted as emergency services rush to Ipswich riverPossible porpoise spotted in Ipswich’s River Gipping, prompting an emergency response from fire crews as officials monitor the animal’s welfare.Ipswich Star · 14 Oct, 14:52

In this story: Ipswich · River Gipping · River Orwell · British Divers Marine Life Rescue · North Sea

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