Dr. Kathy O'Hara with "Wilbur" and members of the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Team.

Hat's off to Flotilla 59 Pilot George McClellan and Co-Pilot Harvey Saunders for their second porpoise rescue mission!

At approximately 2100 hrs on Tuesday evening, February 26, 2008 Auxiliarist George McClellan received a request to transport an ill porpoise to Long Island. McClellan then contacted Auxiliary Co-Pilot Harvey Saunders and advised him of their mission.

The following morning the two Auxiliary airmen met the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Team and "Wilbur" a 3 ft, 40 lb. porpoise at the Suffolk Executive Airport, Suffolk, VA.

Media Coverage of the event

"There is a lengthy process involved to get "Wilbur" the porpoise ready for flight," said McClellan. "The survival rate of an ill or injured porpoise is about 3%, and that air travel to the center in Long Island where Wilbur was taken is crucial to a better recovery rate," he said. Dr. Kathy O'Hara from the Stranding Team accompanied "Wilbur" on his flight.

Auxiliarists McClelland and Saunders are now experienced "Porpoise Transport Pilots," as this is their second mission transporting them to Long Island for treatment. George also mentioned that the previous Porpoise named "Orville" was rehabbed, released, and successfully tracked back to North Carolina waters from Long Island.

"I will keep you up to date with "Wilbur's" rehab," said McClelland.

Kudos's George and Harvey to a job above and beyond!!!

Editor's note: In spite of the valiant efforts of Auxiliarists McClelland and Saunders and the team of specialists in Virginia and New York, "Wilbur" succumbed to his injuries later that day.