Rescuers free trapped dolphin in Calif.

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LONG BEACH, Calif., May 9 (UPI) -- Rescue workers cut through the metal walls of an old wharf in Long Beach, Calif., to free a dolphin trapped behind the barrier, authorities said.

Port of Long Beach spokesman Lee Peterson said the dolphin apparently followed some fish into the Long Beach Harbor construction site during high tide and was spotted trapped in an area about the size of a swimming pool Monday morning, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Divers cut away part of the metal walls Tuesday to make it easier for the dolphin to escape during high tide. Officials said the animal swam away at some point early Wednesday.

"The dolphin is gone," said Peter Wallerstein, director of Marine Animal Rescue in El Segundo. "The work that we did yesterday paid off ... . He swam out himself."

Wallerstein said the dolphin was healthy and unharmed by the ordeal.