Shock for sailors as deadly snake discovered on boat in Aberdeen Harbour

The crew of a boat in Aberdeen Harbour were in for a shock earlier this week when they discovered a rather dangerous stowaway.

Published 11th Nov 2016

The crew of a boat in Aberdeen Harbour were in for a shock earlier this week when they discovered a rather dangerous stowaway.

Staff onboard a boat from Africa discovered a Green Mamba snake - a species whose venom can kill a human in less than an hour.

Scottish SSPCA Officers were called to the city's harbour, but the animal had to be put down - as it was simply too dangerous to keep at Drumoak centre.

Chief Inspector John Carle said, ā€œThe green mamba snake is one of the most deadly snakes in the world. It was picked up in Aberdeen by one of our animal rescue officers after arriving on a boat from Africa.

ā€œSadly the snake had to be put to sleep after our attempts to rehome it to specialist reptile keepers were unsuccessful.

ā€œWe could not keep the snake in our centre due to severe health and safety concerns, as the closest anti-venom is held in London. ā€œ