New York ? A group of dolphins that might have chased herring or other food into a shallow cove off Long Island remained stranded Wednesday, resisting rescue attempts and drawing supporters.

The spunky mammals were first spotted a week ago frolicking north of East Hampton after apparently swimming into the cove at high tide, authorities said.

Six have already died and as many as nine dolphins were chased Tuesday through a narrow inlet and headed for safer, open waters. At least six remained stranded.

Rescuers could not resume their efforts Wednesday because of frigid temperatures and choppy water.

“We don’t want to put anybody in danger,” said Chuck Bowman, president of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

The six dolphins that remained in the cove were “swimming strongly,” he said, and rescuers planned to try again today to herd them through the inlet.