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News

Seal is rescued from Folkestone Harbour Arm

By: Sam Williams swilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:01, 01 March 2021

Updated: 12:30, 01 March 2021

A young seal was rescued from a popular walking spot after getting stuck on the steps.

The marine mammal was found on the steps of Folkestone Harbour Arm and caused 'quite a stir' among those who spotted it.

Watch: The young seal returns to the sea

It was reported to the coastguard and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), who worked together to rescue it.

A medic checked the seal over and the team decided to relocate her to a quieter spot as tide times meant she could have been stranded for hours.

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She was taken to the The Warren, also in Folkestone.

A video shows the cute creature returning to the water.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Folkestone said: "We were tasked at 2.30pm on Friday to assist British Divers Marine Life Rescue with a seal on Folkestone Harbour Arm.

The young seal found on the Harbour Arm in Folkestone. Picture: Folkestone Coastguard

"The young grey seal had chosen the steps under the Harbour Arm for an afternoon nap and was causing quite a stir.

"The BDMLR marine mammal medics checked her over and decided the best course of action was to relocate her somewhere quieter as she was going to be unable to safely return to the water there for hours due to the tide times.

"We provided safety advice and a cordon to allow them to capture her into a cage then assisted them with a safe location to release her."

A spokesman for BDMLR added: "BDMLR received a call about a young grey seal in Folkestone which had taken up residence on the steps under the Harbour Arm and was experiencing quite a bit of public interest.

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"With the tide still falling it would be around eight hours before the seal would be able to return to water safely, so the seal was going to need help.

She was captured and taken to a quieter spot. Picture: Folkestone Coastguard
She then returned to the water. Picture: Folkestone Coastguard

"Due to the tricky location HM Coastguard were asked to help us, as they can offer safety advice and extra equipment to aid the safe capture of the animal.

"The young seal weighed approximately 30 -35 kgs, and after an assessment to make sure the animal was not injured, it was relocated to a quieter beach to continue to rest."

A dolphin was sadly found dead at The Warren last week.

It was found injured and trapped among the rocks.

To report a sighting, contact BDMLR on their rescue hotline 01825 765546 or visit bdmlr.org.uk/

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here

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