THE first seal rescue of the year has taken place in Bude, with another being rescued from Widemouth a few days prior.

Last Wednesday, December 30, Ado Shorland, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) medic, who runs Widemouth Task Force, posted a photograph of the seal that was rescued at Widemouth on the task force’s Facebook page.

The rescuers named this seal ‘Chess’.

Mr Shorland said he was rescued by Jill Livingstone and medics Rachel Shorland and Katherine Smith, who determined it to be a very tired, underweight male at only 13kg.

Mr Shorland wrote: “He was getting battered in the shore break and has now been tube fed and taken off to the seal hospital by Michelle Robinson Clement.”

Mr Shorland said Chess has since been relocated to West Hatch, Somerset as Gweek’s Seal Sanctuary is full, and added: “He is responding well and gaining strength and weight.”

The first rescue of 2016 took place on Monday, when a 23kg pup was rescued from Middle Beach, Bude.

Mr Shorland said the pup had flipper injuries, and was conveyed to the local vets by Mr Shorland and Rory Sacree, also a BDMLR medic.

As the Post went to press, Mr Shorland was due to check on the pup’s progress, but said it would end up going to seal hospital.

Mr Shorland expressed his thanks to members of the public who reported the seal pup and stood guard until rescuers arrived.

He said he believes the storms are ‘highly likely’ to bring more casualties over the coming weeks.

Mr Shorland urged anyone who finds a seal washed up on a beach to get in touch with the relevant rescue groups who will be able to offer professional help and advice.

— If anyone comes across live strandings call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 during office hours or on 07787 433412 after 5pm on working days, or at weekends or bank holidays.

— To report dead marine animals call Cornwall Wildlife Trust on 0345 201 2626.