A young dolphin that found itself stranded on the beach was carried back to the ocean by a kayaker in Namibia this week.

The juvenile Benguela dolphin, also known as a Heaviside's dolphin, was scooped up by Naude Dreyer of Pelican Point Kayaking from Paaltjies Beach near Walvis Bay and deposited back in its natural home.

"On our way back from tour this morning, we came across this juvenile male Benguela Dolphin, still alive on the beach," he told Storyful. "It's not clear how he ended up on there in the first place."

Dreyer was initially sceptical that the dolphin would take to the water, but "as soon as he realized where he was he took off like a bullet," he said.

"I'll do a drive past the same area again later just to make sure he hasn't returned again."

While many praised his actions, others pointed out that the dolphin could have been better served if he'd called the authorities and had them come and professionally assess the animal.

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