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Concerns are growing in Co Kerry that Fungie, the famous Dingle dolphin, may be missing.
The popular bottlenose dolphin has not been seen in two days, leading to speculation that it may have left the area or died.
Several ships passed today and yesterday afternoon looking for the dolphin at the mouth of Dingle Harbor.
Local boatman Jimmy Flannery said the dolphin was last seen early Wednesday morning.
“We have a report that he was seen following a fishing boat at the mouth of the harbor early Wednesday morning, but has not been seen since,” he said.
“It’s unusual for him to go away, but I wouldn’t be too worried just yet. I hope he’s been in hiding for a while. But he’s not like him.”
Another boatman, Gary Brosnan, said several ships were involved in an extensive search in Dingle harbor today.
“We were not lucky today, but we will go out again in the morning and see if we can locate him. He has been missing for a few days in the past, so we hope that he will return quite soon.”
Fungie first came to Dingle in 1983 and has been a constant attraction ever since.
The arrival of the dolphin helped establish the western city of Kerry as a major tourist destination in the Southwest. Up to 12 boats make daily trips to the dolphin during an extended tourist season, with thousands of visitors looking to catch a glimpse of the friendly dolphin.
Experts say that some bottlenose dolphins can have a lifespan of up to 50 years. Fungie is believed to be at least 45 years old.
In a Facebook post tonight, Jeannine Masset and Rudi Schamart, who visit Fungie frequently, have expressed deep concern: “We are all still hoping for a miracle, but the bay feels really empty without it. As you will understand, we are very upset. it seems that we have lost our best friend. “
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