Pod of dolphins seen playing in River Orwell marina

A pod of dolphins delighted onlookers as they happily played for about an hour around their boat.

Adam Case of Woolverstone Marina and Lodge Park on the River Orwell near Ipswich said the mammals were spotted playing in the water just before 09:00 GMT on Wednesday.

“As we approached we killed the engines to drift in and they actually came a bit closer. They were nosy and came over to say hello,” said Mr Case.

However, a conservation group said their move inland was concerning.

“These are a pelagic, offshore and highly gregarious species. It is rare to see such dolphins so close to shore, which suggests all may not be well,” a spokesman said.

Mr Case said his manager who had been with the firm for 24 years had never seen dolphins in the river in his time working at the marina.

“We must have sat out there a good hour or so before we headed back,” said Mr case.

“They were still there when we left and were heading up the bridge to explore further.”

It is thought the six dolphins might have been following fish as the tide was coming in.

Mr Case said it was a magical experience to witness the creatures.

“We got a real treat this morning, it was incredible,” he said.

“It lifted out spirits and really made everyone’s day.”