'Nelson' the seal dies in Rochford Reservoir after failed rescue attempt
The seal had been living in the Essex fishing lake for the past 6 weeks
Last updated 30th Jan 2023
A seal, that had been living in a fishing lake in Essex for the last six weeks, has died during a rescue attempt.
The harbour seal, nicknamed Nelson, had become something of a local attraction with walkers at Rochford Reservoir.
A number of agencies had been involved in the ongoing rescue including the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Rochford Council, South Essex Wildlife hospital, the local police and the Environment Agency.
The animal, who had frustrated local anglers due to its consumption of fish, had previously avoided capture despite several attempts.
Rescuers said that the seal had an open wound on its rear flipper and an eye injury and that they were keen to assess the animal’s health, treat the wounds and, after a period of rehabilitation, return it to the sea where it belonged.
In a statement, the BDMLR said: "Capturing a wild adult seal in the open is not an easy task and so a great deal of preparation was carried out beforehand.
"A specialist vet successfully darted the seal with a special dart gun and anaesthetic, but sadly, due to unforeseeable complications, the animal avoided capture and is believed to have passed away under the anaesthesia while in the water.
"The coalition expressed deep disappointment and sadness that the operation was unsuccessful, but had emphasised before the rescue took place that it carried significant risk.
"Nevertheless, as the seal was under threat of being shot in order to remove it from the lake, it had been deemed worth trying to catch and relocate it in order to save its life. "
Rescuers had previously indicated that tranquilisers would not be used due to the risk to the animal.
“This is a very sad outcome from a very tricky situation,” said a BDMLR spokesperson.
“Rescuing any animal using anaesthetic holds significant risk, but in this case the coalition deemed it was worth taking.”