LONDON (Reuters) - A state-of-the-art ambulance will take to Scottish waters from Friday to rescue stranded dolphins and whales, the first such service in Britain.
The customized boat will be able to locate, treat and refloat stranded animals and also benefit research projects, say its operators, the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) charity.
"Once a whale or a dolphin becomes stranded, the most crucial factors are our speed of response and the accessibility to the animal," said CRRU director Kevin Robinson.
"Now we have the ability to reach those stranded in the most difficult locations."
The ambulance will carry a winch, stretchers, an air mattress and veterinary equipment.
The CRRU receives up to 300 callouts each year and plays a key role in researching the habits of whales and dolphins in coastal waters of the Moray Firth, northeast Scotland.
Some 60 percent of Britain's whale and dolphin strandings occur along the coast of Scotland.
Scientists believe underwater noise can disrupt dolphins' navigational skills, while marine pollution, commercial fishing and climate change are also thought to be contributing factors.
About 27 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises visit British waters.
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