RNLI Fleetwood crew helps rescue tired stranded grey seal
Marine Mammal Medic and volunteer lifeboat station crew collaborate in successful rescue
Volunteer crew members from RNLI Fleetwood have assisted a rescue of a stranded grey seal found at the Fleetwood to Knott-End Ferry Slip.
Aimee Halliwell, a volunteer crew member and Marine Mammal Medic with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), responded to a call from fellow RNLI volunteer Skip Frith, who works on the Fleetwood to Knott-End Ferry, discovered the seal while heading to the lifeboat station for a training exercise on Saturday.
Upon assessing the seal, Aimee found it to be unharmed and determined it was safe for the animal to return to the water. She enlisted the help of her RNLI teammates at the lifeboat station to assist in relocating the tired seal.
Together, the crew carefully transported the seal in a crate to a safe location on the beach, near the Fleetwood lifeboat station. The seal was then gently released, to make its way back into the water. BDMLR medics marked the seal with an orange identifier, to track its movements and monitor its condition, in case it returns to the shore.
RNLI Fleetwood reminded the public to follow essential guidelines if they find stranded marine mammals:
Call British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the main organization for live marine mammal rescues in the UK, on 01825 765546.
Keep your distance to avoid causing stress to the animal or risking personal injury or disease.
Prevent people and dogs from approaching the animal to reduce further distress.
Avoid pushing the animal back into the water as stranded marine mammals may be injured, sick, or disoriented and should only be handled by professionals.
The collaboration between RNLI Fleetwood and BDMLR showcases the dedication of volunteers in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of marine life along the UK’s coastline.