Seal pup put to sleep after suspected boat propeller strike in Cornwall
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A seal pup has had to be put to sleep following a suspected boat propeller strike off the coast of Cornwall.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue were called out to Mylor earlier in November to help the injured animal.
They say the pup's injuries were consistent with those caused by a propeller strike, although luckily her chest cavity had not been damaged.
But sadly the pup was already malnourished and began to fit after being admitted to the Cornwall seal hospital.
She didn't respond to treatment and so had to be put to sleep to end her suffering.
People are being urged to remain vigilant when operating watercraft and to look out for wild species in our waters.
A British Divers Marine Life Rescue spokesperson said: "Earlier this month, our Marine Mammal Medics were dispatched to attend to this injured seal pup in Mylor, Cornwall.
"These injuries appeared consistent with a boat propeller strike, which luckily had not penetrated her chest cavity even though they initially seemed severe. However, this poor pup was also malnourished at a tiny 10.3kg, so she was picked up and admitted to our seal hospital.
"Sadly, shortly after admission, she began to fit and didn’t respond to treatment, so ultimately had to be put to sleep to relieve her from further suffering.
"Unfortunately not every rescue has a happy ending, but at least we were able to free her from her trauma and pain. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to always stay vigilant when operating watercraft, and remember that you are in the habitat of many wild species.
"It is their home, so let’s help to protect them."