Rescuers try to save baby seal found struggling near pier in Brighton

A baby seal was found struggling in the sea near the Palace Pier in Brighton at the weekend.

The RNLI Brighton lifeboat crew were called out to help after a 999 call and managed to bring the seal pup ashore for expert attention.

The RNLI said: “The volunteer crew of the Brighton RNLI inshore lifeboat were quick to respond to a call for help after a seal pup was seen struggling to swim near Brighton Pier on Saturday morning (2 September).

“The injured seal had been spotted just west of the Palace Pier by members of the Brighton Swimming Club who raised the alarm with a 999 call.

“Brighton’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Random Harvest launched at 8.30am.

“Upon arrival it was established that one of the members of the swimming club had managed to swim the pup back to the shore and was holding the pup in standing depth water near to the pier.

“The lifeboat crew took over holding the pup in the sea while the UK Coastguard attempted to contact specialists to help the pup get the medical assistance it required.

“After holding the pup in the water for 45 minutes, a team member from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue arrived and advised the lifeboat crew to bring the pup on to the beach where an initial assessment was carried out on the seal.

“As the seal was now safely onshore the Brighton lifeboat volunteers passed all details over to the Shoreham Coastguard, who was also in attendance, and the crew stood down from the incident.

“It was later found out that unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all teams involved, the seal pup passed away.

“It’s not the first time the RNLI has been involved in animal rescues.

“In 2016 the charity saved 431 human lives but also saved 41 dogs, two dolphins, three horses, one porpoise, one seal and two sheep.”