They definitely needed help
Nonetheless, this was a situation in which an elephant desperately needed assistance. “[Elephants] can’t keep swimming for long because they burn a lot of energy,” explained a representative from the Department of Wildlife. “And the salt water isn’t good for their skin, so in this case, the situation probably warranted human intervention.”
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It was a popular spot for elephants
Of course, it is possible that this elephant was attempting to cross Kokkilai Lagoon, a popular spot for elephants when he was swept out into more treacherous waters by the current from the open ocean.