In September, we (embarrassingly) reported that "missing diver" Matthew Harvey had been rescued by a pod of dolphins. While the story seemed far-fetched, it also seemed plausible since dolphins are, you know, all sweet and kind and friendly. Ha! Try telling that to the drunk Ukrainian guy who jumped into the chilly Black Sea this week (you know, cuz it's good for the constitution). Rescue officials had to save him from a pod of dolphins, because he was "being attacked by the mammals."
The man was 100 feet from shore and calling for help when witnesses spotted him. Evidently, the pod was attempting to push the man out to sea. Using clubs to strike the water and frighten away the dolphins, rescue workers retrieved the man, who is reportedly in fine condition although asking what, exactly, was in that drink. The officials believe the dolphins considered the drunk man was competing for the fish on which they were feeding.
[Thanks, Jodie!]
1. I have much the same opinions on sharks. For the most part, you look like a visitor to their pantry, just passing through. As long as you don't snack on their food, everything is ok. Of course, were you to eat one of their fish, well I wouldn't look kindly on someone just walking up and munching on my cheetos either.
This analogy of course excludes all sharks who view us as happy meal sized.
Posted at 4:10PM on Jan 6th 2007 by The Tick