Photos by Rui Silva.
Maritime authorities and nature wardens are monitoring the situation, while investigations are underway to assess the recovery of the animal and determine the cause of death.
A dolphin was found dead this morning, floating in the sea in front of the Galo Mar bathing complex in Caniço de Baixo. The situation mobilized nature wardens and members of the Maritime Police, who went to the site to monitor the incident.
According to reports, the animal was spotted by locals off the coast, and the relevant authorities were subsequently alerted. Upon arrival, the teams found the cetacean already adrift near the sea off Canavieira Beach.
Contacted by DIÁRIO, the captain of the Port of Funchal, Bruno Teles, confirmed that the authorities received a report of a dead animal in the sea, indicating that it was a cetacean.
“We received information that there was a cetacean in the water. The Whale Museum and the IFCN were immediately notified. We have Maritime Police officers on site and, in principle, the Funchal Lifesaving Station boat is also heading to the location,” the official explained.
According to the port captain, initial identification points to a dolphin, and the situation is being monitored by the relevant authorities, who will assess the procedures to be adopted regarding the animal’s collection.
Nature wardens remain on site, working in coordination with the Maritime Police, while monitoring and assessment operations are underway. The cause of the death is not yet known.