Distress as water scooters seen near dolphin pod

People on personal watercrafts have been seen following close behind a pod of dolphins.

Residents were left "upset" as footage and photos taken at Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside on Sunday evening showed people on water scooters getting close to the pod of dolphins.

Officers from Northumbria Maritime Policing Unit responded at the time and spoke to the people on the water scooters.

Northumbria Police said it was working to establish if any criminal offences had been committed.

Cullercoats Watch House volunteer Emma Solomon, 55, said: "The upsetting thing for me was to actually watch them chase the dolphins across Brown’s Bay and then drive right over the heads of them.

"They then turned around to face them front-on, going right towards them head-on. It was very upsetting."

Ms Solomon said she wanted to petition to get the water-scooter licence revoked from Cullercoats Harbour, meaning people would not be allowed to launch from there.

She said "The lack of respect for our coastline and our mammals is what is upsetting the local community.

"I think Cullercoats is inappropriate for that kind of motor sport – it needs somewhere with more space," Ms Solomon said. "The noise is also awful [when they launch]."

The marine and coastal wildlife code states people should not get close to dolphins.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said the force was investigating to see if any crime had been committed.

"Shortly before 17:00 BST yesterday [Sunday] we received a report of jet skiers driving near a pod of dolphins off the coast of Tynemouth.

"Officers from the Force’s Maritime Policing Unit spoke to the jet skiers in question and gave them appropriate advice."

North Tyneside Council said launch permits were required by boat or motorised leisure craft users, who must follow rules and regulations, including the Environmental Code of Conduct.

"Anyone found in breach of these could have their launch permit revoked and those involved in anti-social behaviour could face further action from the relevant authority," a spokesperson said.

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