Dolphin Dies After Washing To Shore In Hermosa Beach

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — A dolphin rescued by lifeguards after washing ashore in Hermosa Beach has died, officials announced Friday.

Lifeguards patrolling the beach saw the young dolphin "exhibiting abnormal behavior" in Hermosa Beach Thursday evening and called for help. The dolphin washed to shore around 7:30 p.m. and was evaluated by the Marine Animal Rescue, officials said.

Lifeguards helped Marine Animal Rescue load the dolphin into a truck and transport it from the shore of Hermosa Beach to a protected lagoon in Redondo Beach, ABC7 reported.

Eventually, they transported the dolphin to the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. Officials monitored the dolphin overnight, but the center announced Friday that it had died.

Marine Animal Rescue officials told The Beach Reporter the dolphin may have died of domoic acid poisoning, also known as amnesic shellfish poisoning. However, that was not confirmed.

Officials reminded the public that if anyone sees sick or injured marine mammal, stay a safe distance away and seek help from safety personnel.