Concern was mounting for Fungie the Dingle dolphin on Saturday after a search by up to a dozen boats failed to report a sighting.
The out-of-character disappearance of the much-loved marine mammal sparked a fresh wave of worry for the bottlenose.
Boatman Jimmy Flannery, who has spent his life bringing people out to see Fungie, said boats scouring the bay have yet to spot the distinctive dorsal fin breaking through the Atlantic waters.
The operator of Dingle Dolphin Tours said he is feeling deeply worried about the disappearance as the days go on as it is so out of character for the dolphin.
He said: “At this stage, this is very, very unlike him. As time goes on it is getting more and more concerning. There is just no sign. In the 37 years I’ve known him I can’t say there was ever a day when he didn’t show up – he would disappear for a few hours. It is worrying.
“The boats were out since eight this morning. They have looked everywhere he would normally be and now are looking everywhere he could be.”
Fisherman Paul Hand spotted the dolphin on Thursday morning and it is thought he hasn’t been in the harbour since Tuesday.
An entire industry has grown around the animal in the tourist town of West Kerry since Fungie arrived 37 years ago.
He was officially named the longest-living solitary dolphin on the planet according to a Lone Rangers report last year, which catalogued a global list of 114 whales and dolphins who interact with humans.
Jimmy, who first spotted the dolphin shortly after he arrived in 1983, is so close to him that he went to check on his welfare during the lockdown.
He added: “This is certainly not all about
business – he’s part of the family and we’re missing him now.”
Dingle Oceanworld chief Kevin Flannery said there is increasing concern.
He added: “All we can hope for is he’ll turn back when the wind turns around.”
