New Zealand fishermen experienced a surprising incident when a 900-pound bottlenose dolphin jumped out of the water and landed on their small fishing boat near Piercy Island. Dean Harrison, the boat’s owner, and his two companions were fishing when they saw a shadow followed by a loud crash as the dolphin landed on their 16-foot vessel. While attempting to help the dolphin and minimize damage, the group encountered structural damage to the boat and minor injuries among the crew.
The New Zealand Conservation Agency reported the incident occurred on February 28, and despite the chaotic situation, the fishermen acted responsibly, using hoses and towels to keep the dolphin cool and shaded until they could reach a boat ramp for assistance. Local workers and Māori tribes conducted a thorough examination of the dolphin, named “Touff,” before successfully returning it to deeper waters.
Harrison expressed relief that everyone came out of the ordeal relatively unscathed, stating it could have been a much worse situation. Conservation officials praised the fishing crew for their handling of the incident, noting that both the men and dolphins emerged safely from the encounter. Overall, the fishermen’s quick actions led to a happy ending for all involved.
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