Plastic ring stuck around seal’s neck for six years finally removed

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

A seal has finally been rescued after suffering with a plastic ring stuck around his neck - for SIX YEARS.

Seal Research Trust volunteers have been tracking the adult male gray seal which had been caught in a blue plastic ring since September 2017.

The seal, named 'Commuter' after his routine trips up and down the coast of Cornwall had chosen inaccessible locations which had made rescue attempts by BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) impossible - until now.

SRT surveyor Andy Rogers was routinely surveying his local haul out site when he spotted Commuter high up the beach with a relatively small number of other seals, and an outgoing tide.

Upon reporting his sighting to BDMLR, and assessing the circumstances and logistics involved - the urgent preparation for a rescue attempt began.

According to the marine charity, safe capture and disentanglement of adult seals carries extra risk to the rescuers - as they are large animals weighing over 200kg and can be defensive when they feel threatened.

A team of experienced handlers and specialist equipment were needed to be able to catch and control Commuter safely on land.

If at any point he had gone into the sea, a rescue would have been impossible.

Sue Sayer MBE, Director of SRT said: “Waiting for a rescue to be organised is hugely stressful.

"Despite Andy’s best efforts to speak to visitors and explain the situation’s need for caution, people on the clifftop still managed to disturb the seals below on three occasions.

"Over the next couple of hours, a third of the seals stampeded into the sea to get away from the perceived threat and Andy’s optimism for a possible rescue was dwindling.

"Luckily, Commuter remained sleeping, so the first opportunity to rescue him in six years was not lost.”

BDMLR Area Coordinator Dan Jarvis stated the circumstances were "perfect" for the rescue mission.

He explained: "It was low tide, meaning access was at its easiest for us with all the equipment we needed, including a cargo net, herd boards and a stretcher.

"We had Medics assist Andy on the clifftop, raising awareness of what was happening to prevent further disturbance incidents, while a team of six Medics stealthily accessed the cove.”

“As there were still a few other seals on the beach, we had to focus on Commuter as the group became aware of us approaching and began heading for the sea.

"Using the cargo net we blocked his escape, while a herd board was used to safely keep two other adult males away from him and the rescue team.

"After a standoff, we were able to wrap Commuter in the net to slow him down, then placed the stretcher on top to safely restrain him so his entanglement and injury could be assessed.”

The team found that the plastic ring around his neck - an anti-foul paint tin seal that had carelessly been discarded - had not cut in as deeply as initially feared.

After the ring was snipped off with bolt cutters, the encircling wound with minor infection was assessed, cleaned out and Commuter was deemed fit to be released.

The happy seal was freed and took off into the water at speed - but did not go too far, as he was soon spotted resting in the water just offshore, apparently no worse for wear from his ordeal and feeling substantially better without his constant neck compression.

Andy Rogers added: “I am so happy. I would like to thank everyone involved in this major operation.

"Not only was it a huge success for Commuter after more than six years entangled, but also for the BDMLR rescue team who were able to catch their first ‘healthy’ adult male seal using a new technique.

"Members of SRT and BDMLR can now look forward to seeing Commuter in the future without an entanglement and track the progressive healing of his injury in the saltwater environment.

"Well done for a great team effort and a miraculous rescue!”

He added everyone must "do their bit" for wildlife and our environment.

Andy said: "Please make sure no looped or circular plastic items get lost at sea in the first place.

"We can all pick up lost items on coastal walks to prevent suffering and save a marine animal’s life!"