Dolphin Dies After Coming Ashore In Belmar

Authorities say a dolphin found with a hook in its mouth died shortly after it came ashore on a beach in Belmar.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the dolphin's death.

Witnesses tell the Asbury Park Press that the dolphin was spotted Saturday afternoon on the beach off Ocean Avenue in Belmar. Passers-by notified authorities and tried to help the dolphin by wrapping it in cold towels, but authorities reported the dolphin soon died.

Staffers from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine responded to the beach later Saturday and were working to remove the carcass. A necropsy was planned within the next few days.

Photo courtesy Mary Dunham, Shore Shot Images