In search of Dolphins...

A group of about 15 journalists wearing life jackets started their journey in a country boat in search of dolphins, courtesy dolphin-sighting boat-ride organised by Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project (PBTDP).|

As the boat moved parallel to the beach almost near Bengre, it was an unique experience for scribes as it was a rare opportunity to see the stretch between Panambur and Bengre from sea (you can see the sea on this stretch while travelling in an vehicle but not vice versa with water in between!).

After crossing the break-water, the scribes saw the wreckage of Den Den from the other side (reminding the fateful day of June 23, 2007 when 3 soldiers lost their lives and 21 survived) and subsequently the wreckage of another ship, also near Tannirbavi.

Though a few in the boat could spot 2 dolphins, not all (including the lensmen) were lucky enough to notice/capture them in their eyes/cameras. As we proceeded further, we came across a fishing boat. The fishermen were delighted to see many cameras on boat and they happily showed huge shrimps to scribes.

When we reached almost Bengre, the boatman took a U-turn and as we were approaching the port, a huge cargo ship was moving out of the port.
Perhaps, the ship dumped some eatables (waste?) from the ship as a large number of birds appeared in no time.

That very minute, 3 to 4 dolphins too appeared in the vicinity. However, no could see dolphins in full. They (dolphins) too only showed their fin / back / tail just to say that they are there...!

PBTDP CEO Yathish Baikampady said that there are two kinds of dolphins found in Mangalore coast — Common dolphin (Delphinus Capensis) and the Spinner dolphin (Stenella Longirostris).

The PBTDP is planning a one-hour trip with a maximum seating capacity for 15 people that would cost Rs 3,000.

“The cost of each trip would be Rs 3,000 whether 1 person goes on the boat or 15,” Yathish said. Interestingly, 50 per cent of the amount would be refunded if no dolphin was sighted!