Lucky rescue for Sanday seal pup

Members of the Community Development Trust in Sanday came to the aid of a grey seal pup last Friday, December 2.

The young seal had become trapped in a gap between large rocks, close to Loth ferry terminal.

With the aid of the local coastguard, the team from the development trust were able rescue the animal. After attempts to lever the pup to safety failed, a tractor was used to move some of the larger rocks, freeing the seal.

In a Facebook post, Sanday Ranger, Emma Neave-Webb, explained that young seals often find themselves getting into trouble and turn up in random places once they have become independent.

“I don’t think this little one quite expected to end up in this much trouble,” she added.

“Thankfully after a check over, this little one was released onto the nearby beach to rest and recover from its ordeal and with strict instructions not to go climbing on the pier again.”

She extended thanks to Ian Simpson and John Boyd for spotting the well-hidden pup and helping in its rescue.

The full Facebook post from the Sanday ranger, with accompanying photos and a video of the rescue is available here.