Risso dolphin stuck in Glasgow river

A dolphin that normally frequents the deep waters of the Atlantic has been spotted swimming in the shallow River Clyde in the centre of Glasgow.

The 10ft Risso's dolphin appears to be injured, with a gash above one eye, and has spent the past two days in polluted waters in the city centre.A marine mammal rescue group is hoping to usher it downstream and back out to sea, although an attempt last night to return it to deep water proved unsuccessful.

It was visible today just downstream from the rush hour traffic on the Kingston Bridge.
At one point yesterday it had a large empty crisp bag stuck on its fin.The unusual sight has attracted tourists and office workers to the river bank, but experts said the dolphin appeared "sluggish" and was moving slowly.

A team from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue group, helped by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, is planning to assess its condition before making another attempt to guide it to safety.

Nick Duthie, one of the volunteers, "Certainly, it's in a pretty compromised body state at the moment.

"It's very thin and it does have a number of cuts and grazes on it so we are quite concerned for its health."

Risso's dolphins normally feed on deep water squid and are rarely seen in shallow waters.
The dolphin was first spotted near the Faslane Naval Base further down the Clyde on Saturday before appearing close to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.