Seal pup found entangled in fishing net on UK island saved by heroic rescuers

08 October 2023 , 10:09

510     0

“Charlie”, as he’s been named by the team, was entangled and unable to free himself (Image: BDMLR)

Rescuers have saved the life of a common seal pup which became entangled in a fishing net in the Hebrides.

Medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) sprang into action to help the pup on Friday.

A BDMLR spokesperson said: “‘Charlie’, as he’s been named by the team, was entangled and unable to free himself, and if not for the swift action of our medics, Charlie might have suffered horrible injury or even death by drowning when the tide came back in."

Thankfully Charlie was cut free and after assessment by Medics was deemed safe for release. It's unknown how long Charlie was caught in the fishing line but he didn’t hang about, swiftly making his way back to the sea.

The cute pup could've been in serious struggle (BDMLR)

The discovery follows an animal charity looking for two volunteers to live on a remote island and help carry out a seal population survey. The Manx Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers willing to temporarily live alone for nine weeks in the Calf of Man to get a better understanding of the seal population.

Mystery as hundreds of tiny fish wash up dead on UK beach leaving locals baffled

They need two enthusiastic volunteers to conduct the 11-week survey, which includes two weeks to complete a data analysis of the findings.

Dr Lara Howe, marine officer at Manx Wildlife Trust, said: “The Isle of Man is a jewel in the Irish sea for wildlife, whether that be marine or terrestrial. With its small size, it allows you to visit plenty of great locations and habitats and see a huge variety of species without travelling miles to do so.”

Due to its location in the gulf stream, the Isle of Man attracts a variety of marine life. This includes hundreds of seals, porpoises, whales, dolphins and basking sharks, which can be seen from mid-May to the end of August.

Those taking part in the study will be provided with accommodation on the island and will be responsible for recording the developmental stage of seal pups and for monitoring their mortality rate.

Zesha Saleem