Dolphin spotted swimming in southern Vietnam river

A dolphin weighing around 30 kg was spotted swimming in a river in southern Vietnam on Friday, prompting local curiosity and online attention before the animal swam back toward the sea, local authorities said.

According to a report from the People's Committee of Hoa Tan Commune in Ca Mau City, Ca Mau Province, the dolphin was seen in a section of the Ganh Hao River about 50 kilometers from the Ganh Hao estuary, where the river meets the sea.

Nguyen Tuan Thanh, a local boat operator, was the first to spot the animal and recorded a short video later posted on social media.

"At around 9:45 am, while ferrying passengers, I saw the dolphin and started filming," he said.

"I also called out to people along the riverbank so they could see it.

"I've seen dolphins near the sea and river mouths before, but never this far inland.

"The dolphin looked a bit weak.

"It may have followed the high tide in, but the lower salinity could have affected it."

The video, though only briefly online, attracted thousands of views and comments, with some social media users speculating that the dolphin may have been separated from its pod due to rough sea conditions.

Local authorities said the dolphin was later seen swimming downstream, likely heading back toward open waters.

The Hoa Tan Commune government said officials are continuing to monitor the situation.

Bao Anh - Thanh Huyen / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/30-10:51)