The Department of Environment received a report around 830am this morning (30 September 2026) of a dolphin entrapped in a net. The dive operators who made the report advised they were cutting the animal free and bringing the net ashore. As the dive operators were on the scene, they assured the Department that they would handle the release of the animal and would provide an update. Shortly after 10am the Coast Guard, who had also responded, confirmed the animal had been released from the net, but the dolphin appeared to be suffering from several severe wounds. Photos and videos were sent to the DoE who consulted with an international marine mammal veterinarian, as well as the veterinarian from the local Dolphin facility. The Department was advised that unfortunately the nature of the injuries indicated that the animal would likely require 6 to 12 months of dedicated, specialist rehabilitation. Even if the animal survived the stress of capture, such a facility or the required expertise is not available in Cayman. The dolphin was identified as a rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). DoE Conservation Officers responded to the area and were advised by the local dive operators who had been monitoring the animal that it was last seen approximately one mile offshore heading out to sea. DoE officers continued to patrol the area up to two miles offshore but did not see any further signs of the animal. While injured wildlife is a concern to everyone, marine mammal rescue in particular is not a simple undertaking and without proper dedicated rehabilitation facilities and trained personnel, responding to marine mammal rescue incidents is not within on-island capacity. Thank you to Red Sail Sports for their immediate efforts.