Stranded Porpoise Rescued Near Vale Castle by GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals
Last night, the GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals and his partner were called to assist a stranded porpoise close to Vale Castle, after reports that the animal was repeatedly swimming towards the shore and appearing extremely weak.
Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George, was first on the scene and found the porpoise in a very poor condition. Despite several attempts to gently guide and refloat the animal, it continued to circle back into shallow water, showing no inclination to head out to sea. Due to the seriousness of its condition, the team sought urgent veterinary support.
A vet from The Vetcare Centre attended shortly afterwards and provided emergency assessment and treatment. With the porpoise still struggling and the tide conditions becoming more challenging, a decision was made to move the animal to the nearest suitable safe location — one of the island’s bathing pools — where it could be monitored throughout the night in a controlled environment.
This morning, after continued care and observation, and with the porpoise showing enough strength to attempt a release, an effort was made to refloat the animal back into open water. While the team are hopeful, there remains a possibility that the porpoise may attempt to re‑strand.
If anyone sees a porpoise or any marine mammal in difficulty, or if this individual rebeaches, please contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261.
Words from Geoff George, GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals
"It was a difficult situation, and sadly the porpoise was in a very compromised state when we first arrived. We did everything we could to stabilise it, refloat it, and give it the best possible chance with veterinary support. Moving it to the bathing pool allowed us to monitor it safely through the night. These cases are always challenging, but we remain hopeful, and we ask the public to report any sightings straight away.”
Words from Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager
"Strandings like this are rare but incredibly emotional and demanding for everyone involved. The last stranded sea mammal we helped was ‘Fortune’ some years ago, so we know how important rapid response and community awareness are in these situations. We’re extremely grateful to Geoff, those that helped, and the vet who attended. If anyone ever sees a dolphin, porpoise, seal, or any marine animal in distress, please call the GSPCA straight away — the sooner we know, the better the chances of helping them.”
The GSPCA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share updates when they are available. In the meantime, islanders are encouraged to stay vigilant along the coastline and report any sightings of marine mammals that may require assistance.
To donate to our work and the animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
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To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- International Day of the Seal 22nd March 2026
- National Puppy Day 23rd March 2026
- Easter Tours March/April 2026 To be confirmed
- National Ferret Day 2nd April 2026
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 15th April 2026 Ref – Dog15/04
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 26th April 2026
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026 Ref – Cat29/04
- Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 21st June 2026
- Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 19th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 30th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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