Not just crime fighters

MDP Clyde Marine Unit Officers assist seal pup.

On Sunday 17 October, on return from operational duty on the Clyde Estuary, PC Kerr and PC Wilkie, from the MDP Clyde Marine Unit, came across a seal pup perched on the edge of a storm drain, with a large can jammed on its lower jaw.

PC Wilkie said:

“ PC Kerr and I carefully approached the seal, which seemed quite calm and willing to see our approach as a helpful one. PC Kerr first attempted to remove the can, but the seal’s lower incisors had pierced clean through the can, preventing an easy removal.

“The seal must have been in discomfort at this point as it attempted to back off and almost fell into the storm drain. Fortunately, I was able to quickly grab the seal and lift it back to safety, while PC Kerr held its head and freed the can from its jaw. Luckily the can then came free.

“I checked the seal over and could see no other injuries from the entanglement, before it turned from us and slid back into the water and quickly swam away, much to our happiness and relief.”

Since the rescue on Sunday, we have been informed that the seal was previously spotted several times off the coast of Northern Ireland more than a week ago, with the tin wedged in its jaw. Attempts were made by Belfast Harbour Police and Lagan Search and Rescue to help the animal who it was thought was at risk of drowning, but it swam away into Belfast Lough and despite the teams’ searches the seal was not seen again.

PC Kerr and PC Wilkie were happy to free this animal in distress, but we urge people to take extra care in how they dispose of their rubbish, particularly near waterways where items could cause harm to others, including local marine life inhabitants.