The incident came to light when the Phuket Lifeguard Service shared a video of the stranded dolphin. The New Zealand tourist, the first to spot the dolphin, initially tried to pull it back to sea, but struggled as the exhausted animal was repeatedly pushed ashore by the waves.
Local lifeguards and villagers quickly joined the rescue effort. Thanapol Keokul, Phuket Yai Baan (village headman) of Moo 4, Sakhu, coordinated with officials from the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center for further assistance.
While waiting for the marine officials to arrive, the rescuers worked together to keep the dolphin moist, following instructions to cover it with a cloth and pour seawater over its body. They eventually transported the dolphin to a boat, where it was closely monitored.
The medical team observed that although the dolphin was weak, it still showed signs of life by occasionally moving its tail. Using specialised rescue equipment, the team successfully brought the dolphin ashore and transported it to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre at Cape Panwa.
Biologists at the centre, which operated by marine biologists from the Department of Marine and Coastal resources (DMCR), are providing further treatment and aiding the dolphin in its recovery.