Emergency rescue after seal washes over Cleethorpes’ sea wall
TEAMS UNITE TO SAVE ANIMAL TRAPPED IN ERODING SLIPWAY
A SEAL has been rescued after becoming trapped on Cleethorpes’ sea wall.
Teams worked to rescue the seal from the eroding slipway in Cleethorpes to release him back into the sea. Cleethorpes Beach Safety, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue were called to help the seal at about 6.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday. A spokesperson from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue said: “We were called to a seal who had been washed over the sea wall and was trapped in the eroding slipway.
“It was brought onshore for treatment and then right back out for release.”
The teams cleaned up the seal’s wounds with antibiotic spray and released it within an hour of arriving at the scene.
The Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue spokesperson added: “After cleaning and sealing the seal’s wounds with antibiotic spray, it was released back on the beach where it made its way out to the tide.
“The blue spray antibiotics will also help us identify it should it come back onshore.” Although it is not uncommon to see a seal resting on the beach, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue have previously urged people to contact Cleethorpes Beach Safety or themselves if it appears to be injured or in trouble.
A spokesperson said: “Seals may seem very cute and slow but they can and will chase away a threat that tries to approach, you do not want to receive a bite, they are very powerful and painful!
“If you spot a seal, you can let
Cleethorpes Beach Safety know during their opening hours and you can message us if needed too! The team at British Divers Marine Life Rescue will be revisiting in the morning and our rescue will be available to assist if needed.
“It isn’t uncommon to see seals come to rest in Cleethorpes so caution should always be taken around this time of year! Can you call back your dog if needed?
“Again, keep safe, keep back and enjoy nature on your walk.”
The coastguard said on Facebook: “Please note, this is not unusual to see, especially during the winter months.
“Unless there are any visible injuries or if the seal is in distress, they will be left alone it’s their natural habitat, we’re the ones invading their space, they will find their way back to the sea when they are ready. Please observe the animals from a good and safe distance.
“Our advice is to leave the seal alone, close proximity to humans and domestic animals will cause the seal to become stressed out. We advise dog walkers to keep your dogs on the lead and away from the seal, they can you or your dog a serious bites and carry many germs in their mouths which can cause severe infections. “Cleethorpes Beach Safety are normally aware of these animals before members of the public see them and monitor them closely for their protection. If you have any concerns, just attend the Beach Safety office and report it to them. “Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue will attend if required.”