Beached dolphin rescued in 'rare feat' on Welsh beach

July 19 (UPI) -- Rescuers in Wales praised members of the public for assisting with the hours-long rescue of a dolphin that was stranded on a beach.

The Port Talbot Coastguard said in a Facebook post that rescuers responded Tuesday to Aberavon Beach, where members of the public reported a beached dolphin.

"The team arrived to find the dolphin still very much alive, despite it being low water. The dolphin's position meant that it must have been stranded for several hours," the post said. "The team were very grateful for the help of early dog walkers and local residents who brought towels and buckets. The team used our truck to ferry water back and forth between the sea and up to the dolphin."

The Coastguard was joined by rescuers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the RSPCA.

The rescuers lifted the dolphin into a stretcher and carried it to the water, where it was escorted to deeper waters.

"Thankfully the dolphin made it to deep waters and survived, a feat that is very uncommon," the Coastguard said."The team would like to thank all those involved, but especially the members of the public! The fantastic teamwork ensured a good end to the unlucky dolphin's situation."