Video – Kayak Instructor saves a trapped dolphin and becomes an Internet hero

A kayak instructor from Namibia did not hesitate to take the beached animal into his arms, transferring it into the surf for a quick release into the Atlantic Ocean.

This brief yet extraordinary video did not fail to move its viewers. The dramatic rescue on the morning of June 8th, 2016 near Walvis Bay in Namibia, where the young kayak instructor came nose to nose with the stranded dolphin.

He picked the animal up quickly and delicately to return it to the sea, no doubt saving its short and fragile life in the process. Once out of danger and back in familiar territory, the dolphin regained its energy and its ability to swim side to side. On Facebook, the kayak instructor explained that he didn’t believe there was much hope when he returned the dolphin to the water. Luckily, the story concluded well.

Internet users were moved by this wildlife hero. The rescuer was thanked by more than 12,000 comments. The video, published by Pelican Point Kayaking, a Kayak school in Namibia close to local animals such as seals and dolphins, has already been viewed over 7.3 million times.

About the Author: Sabrina

Sabrina is a 2nd year at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, USA majoring in Biology and Foreign Affairs. She has volunteered for La Dolphin Connection for more than a year, spending most of her time translating articles from French to English and writing originals in English. Additionally, she was the co-founder and co-president of the Protect Our Dolphins (POD) club at her high school, working to donate money to the Oceanic Preservation Society.

One Comment

Alexander C. Roark 13 June 2020 at 8 h 22 min - Reply

I love dolphins very much. So, I have been very glad to know that a kayak instructor protects a trapped dolphin. Really, he has become a hero saving it. Last year I went to the Atlantic ocean along with my modular kayak (Point 65 Martini Tandem Modular Kayak) to enjoy lots of dolphins. My dream has filled by going there. I will go there again. If I get a chance to save any dolphin, I won’t miss the opportunity. Do you know what destinations are the best to find various species dolphins? Keep up the good posting, Sabrina. Thank you very much.