Our training sessions started last Tuesday in Doolin in conjunction with Burren SAC and Ennis SAC, both experienced and active SAR groups. Sea conditions were excellent and we had a target: recovering a weight belt lost by John a few months ago.

Gerry Gillroy directed the operation from shore, with Shirley taking all information on board for next session. Sean O Sullivan and Kevin Allard were our surface guides, snorkeling with the ends of the line, and 7 of us were on the line, looking for the belt.

After a few minutes in the water the dolphin joined us on the search, and stayed with us for the rest of the evening.

Even with this unexpected helper, we haven’t found the weight belt, probably well hidden in the kelp. This will be another excuse to come back training in the sea.

the team