Charity clears name of jet skiers accused of 'harassing' Dolphin duo

A local charity has cleared the name of jet skiers accused of 'harassing' Dolphin duo Moonlight & Starlight.

It comes following the recent circulation of photographs in which four people could be seen in close proximity of the Dolphins, near Peel Hill.

In response, those involved were subjected to more than 100 'highly abusive' messages and verbal assaults.

In a post on social media, the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch says by just looking at the photos - it could be 'easy to assume' the jet skiers were doing something wrong.

However, it adds it's important to get the full story before jumping to conclusions - calling some of the responses 'despicable' and causing a great deal of anguish to the family involved. 

MWDW received a call from the family - who showed them videos of the Dolphins leaping and following their jet skis - with Starlight actively swimming towards and underneath them.

The charity says the Dolphins proactively approached them - and when the skiers turned in a different direction - the pair would just turn and follow them.

It adds Moonlight and Starlight are unlike most Dolphins and are very confident around humans - and ultimately are wild animals and will do as they please.

Lastly, the charity says it's about ' engaging and providing education where it's needed' and abusing people online does nothing to help this.