Cornish
Medics responding to dolphin at Praa Sands
28th March
29th March : After
extensive search of area today, no trace of the dolphin(s) at all.
20.40hrs : Medics
now leaving the site as fully dark and unable to trace dolphin.
Tide also on its way out. Medics to check back at the beach later
tonight and at first light.
20.15hrs : large
team of medics now observing the single dolphin which is very close
inshore in the large surf at the south end of Praa Sands. Just too
far out to safely assess due to the dangerous surf. More soon.
18.45hrs : Medics
from Cornwall are on their way to Praa
Sands where a 'dolphin' is reportedly in trouble just off the
shore. It has been described by a member of the public as 'bigger
than a human'. More info here when it comes in
Another
Grey Seal Pup for Montrose Team
27th March
09.00hrs
Environmental Health Arbroath (Bruce Smith) called BDMLR Montrose
number (24hr coverage on Elaine's mobile which was being manned
by new Medic Willie Taylor) alerting us of a seal pup that had been
in the same location (Near Arbroath) for 3 days and which was now
attracting
curious members of the public and children.
09.30hrs Willie sent out messages within the
Montrose Group for team response - Medics Peter Taylor, Jacque Watt
and Andy Dulley were all available as was Allan Muir for possible
relay. They immediatley set off for the locus as the tide was coming
in fast - meantime Willie booked a seal pen at SSPCA Middlebank,
Inverkeithing and arranged the uplift of the transportation tank
from the new premises in Montrose aided by one of our stand in drivers
John Stewart.
10.00hrs As Elaine was unavailable today, Deputy
Co-ordinator Bob Pert was called and confirmation given to Willie
to proceed with an uplift for rehab.
10.30hrs With Bob and Elaine both unavailable,
"tubing" the pup posed a bit of a problem, however, Middlebank
were satisfied that an immediate relay had the pups best interests
at heart.
10.00hrs - 11.00hrs The Pup now named "Bellagossie"had
been assessed by Medic Jacque watt who confirmed the following to
Elaine. It was a fully weaned Grey Seal Pup, which was bright, active,
alert and feisty. There were no signs of trauma or injury and no
discharges present from the eyes, ears mouth or nose. The eyes were
open, rounded and clear. The pup did however have a cough and some
congestion and appeared in need of treatment for this. Respiration
was monitored at 15 minute intervals starting at 15bpm and gradually
reducing and settling at 11bpm. Normal patterns of breath holding
were observed. The pup was carefully loaded into the transportation
tank and commenced its journey south accommpanied by Peter and John.
Unfortunately the transportation tank did not fit into Alans car!
(sorry Allan).
13.30hrs Our pup arrives at SSPCA Middlebank
and is given reference number 167
Thanks to Bruce Smith (Arbroath Environmental
Health), Medics Jacque Watt, Peter Taylor, Allan Muir and Andy Dulley.
Stand in Driver John Stewart. Co-ordinators Elaine Roft and Bob
Pert. SSPCA Middlebank. Full credit to New Medic Willie Taylor for
manning Elaines phone and Co-ordinating his first rescue efficiently
and accurately.
Apologies to New Edinburgh Medic Nick Moore
for not calling you (I would have done, but my phones were with
Willie for the weekend and I Hadn't had a chance to update my team
with yourself and others from Edinburgh for helping us with relays.
Elaine Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Montrose Area Co-ordinator (Inverbervie-Easthaven)
SEAL
RESCUE HORNSEA EAST YORKSHIRE
21ST
MARCH 2006.
I received a call
from Sue White from head office at approximately 11.30hrs. She told
me of a seal pup that was on the beach at Hornsea. It had apparently
been there 3 days but the caller had only just been informed herself
today. I took the callers details and phoned her to get more information.
The caller was a dental
nurse named 'Beth'. She told me she had been along to have a look
at the seal, and said it was very lifeless but she hadn't gone too
near it. Beth said there were a lot of dog walkers nearby and was
concerned that the pup may be harassed by the dogs. She agreed to
keep an eye on it and phoned a 'friend' [no pun intended] to help
out as she was by then at work. She also agreed to keep me updated
about the seal. I phoned Sue who started a ring around whilst I
made my way back home to the computer! I phoned Sue on my return
home but she had not managed to reach any available medics, so began
a ring around. Eventually I phoned Sue for more help as I had no
luck finding anyone free. Sue and Trevor continued to try while
I phoned the RSPCA tasking officer to find out whether they had
received any calls about the seal at Hornsea. She told me they had
tasked Keira to the seal call so I phoned her. [It gets better wait
for it!] Keira told me she had passed the call to Alan Farr as he
had more hours available for if it needed relaying to East Winch.
I called Alan to be told he was in Harrogate at that time and wouldn't
be able to go till later.Aaaaarghhh!
I advised Alan that
we were trying to find a medic free to attend and I would give him
a 'sit rep' later on. Mean while back in the office, Sue had managed
to contact Alan Stewart our Green medic from the last Hornsea seal.
He agreed to go take a look but had nothing to transport in if the
seal needed 'lifting'. I called Beth back to see how our seal was
faring. She told me there were reports of a small wound
to a flipper that was bleeding. I advised her Alan was now on his
way and would be with her about 14.oohrs. I then called Alan Farr
RSPCA ACO with a sit rep. Just as I was starting to breathe a sigh
of relief the phone rang! It was 'Beth' to tell me that the seal
had returned to the sea! I stood both Alan's down, called Sue then
took 2 headache tablets! Another day another seal.
Thanks to all concerned.
Regards
Beverley Drayton
Simon & Beverley
Drayton
Area Coordinators
Humberside & North Yorkshire
Seal
pup rescued - Ravenscar, Yorkshire
18th March
Myself
and Nick Richardson after talking to Derek at sealife, headed straight
there to pick up a stretcher instead of a cage after reports
suggested that the seal was a bit bigger than first realised.
Many
thanks to Bev for excellent directions, because the one thing we
didn't fancy was a scramble down a cliff face while the tide was
quickly rolling in. It is a long hike down to the water at Ravenscar
often down shear cliff face in places, we asked walkers and fishermen
if they had seen any injured seals, while many had seen a few swimming
around, none had seen any beached animals.
Once we were finally down will quickly located the red gas canister
that Bev had informed us the seal was next to, and sure enough there
it was (we estimate 3 month old grey seal). Straight away we could
see the deep wound around the seals neck caused by the heavy monofilament
netting. See photos. The seal was also coughing heavily and had
mucus streaming out of its nose.
First off we tied one end of the sling up and tried to position
it over the seals head, at which point the seal sprang in to life,
biting at the sling
and moving towards the water. Many thanks to the two fishermen that
came over, to help stop the seal retreating into the sea. Finally
we managed to get the fixed end of the sling over the seals head,
and gently roll him over and getting the sling underneath him and
securing him in place. That was the easy part.... now we had to
lift the seal up the cliff, as our other route off the beach Boggle
Hole, was cut off by the incoming tide. 40 minutes later and one
hell of a struggle we finally had reached the top. The seal was
then taken straight to sealife for assessment and medication.
With the seal hospital closed we could only use sealife as stop
gap measure. Senior aquarist, Derek was there waiting for us. The
seal was weighed 25KG, which was an excellent weight. The netting
was removed and medication was given. Derek felt, because it was
such a large seal and still very strong, that once the netting was
removed He might be a straight catch and release. Even though the
wound was deep, the animal was not bleeding. But after listening
to the seals breathing, decided against it. Seal was left in hospital
to recover before its move to East Winch. Not the best solution
for an injured seal, a 6 hour car journey, but the quicker the hospital
gets back up and running the better.
Myself and Nick would like to thank everyone involved, Bev, the
two fishermen - sorry we didn't get your names - and the fantastic
staff at
sealife.
Stephen
Routledge - Marine Mammal Medic
**************************************************************
SEAL RESCUE
SATURDAY 18TH MARCH 2006
I received a call from Faye Austin at approximately
12.45hrs Saturday. Reports had come in of a badly injured seal on
the beach below the cliffs at Ravenscar [East Yorkshire]. It was
said to have monofilament netting embedded in its neck and was obviously
in some distress. The first informant was not able to stay with
the animal, but had left a bright red canister he had found on the
beach, near it. I told Faye I would initiate the rescue team and
would phone her to give a 'sit rep' when I had got the seal sorted
out. Not having access to our vehicle - I began the usual phoning
around to see which medics were available to help out. Eventually,
Stephen Routledge and Nick Richardson experienced medics, offered
to go for me.
The terrain at Ravenscar is appalling and the
nearest vehicular access is approximately a mile+ down the beach
from where the seal was reported. The only other option available
is up the cliff path to the Raven Hall Hotel golf course. The path
is extremely steep and the road a good mile from the top of it [across
the golf course]. With this in mind I advised Steve he would be
better to stretcher the seal, rather than put Him in a vary kennel,
as He would be easier to transport. Steve and Nick called at Scarborough
Sea Life Centre enroute to borrow their stretcher, as it was quicker
than calling to pick ours up from me. Sea Life Centre staff offered
first aide facilities for when the seal had been captured, but were
unable to keep it at their hospital as it is still closed.
I got a call from Steve when they had located
the seal [a miracle as the signal is poor from there], to say he
was a Grey seal pup and it was rather fat but 'Lively' and needed
treatment. A decision was made to 'lift' the seal and take it to
SSLC for treatment and further assessment.
Steve and Nick carried the seal up the cliff path as the tide had
cut off the other access. It's a good thing they have healthy hearts
because it's a hell of a climb. They then transported Him to SSLC.
Derek [ aquarist on duty ]assessed the seal and confirmed it was
a male. He
said it was very lively and he felt he had had a 'near death' experience
whilst tubing Him! He topped their indoor scales which only weigh
up to 25kgs. Derek managed to remove the netting from around the
seals neck which had then begun to bleed. He said there was a foul
smell coming from the wound which would indicate it was infected.
He gave Him a shot of antibiotic and asked me to arrange transfer
to East Winch as soon as possible. I then phoned East Winch RSPCA
Seal Hospital to see if they had room and asked if anyone was available
to admit Him when he arrived. I told them His ETA was approximately
00.30hrs. The lady I spoke to was brilliant. She told
me they could take Him and that they would wait for him to arrive.
I called the RSPCA tasking officer to see if they had anybody available
to transport the seal and they asked Alan Farr RSPCA Animal Collection
Officer to call me. Alan told me Our seal would have to be relayed
down to East Winch and said he could collect Him about 18.30hrs.
Alan collected the seal at 18.30hrs and relayed him down to 'Becky'
RSPCA ACO who then completed the transfer to the seal hospital.
I have telephoned East Winch today to get a
progress report on both of our seals. Sadly 'Golden Eye' had to
be put to sleep this morning. The vet x-rayed His head whilst he
was under general anaesthetic and found he had a 'smashed jaw' consistent
with 'blows to the head'.
Our Saturday seal has been found to be 'Female'! They have named
her NeNe, and she is doing well.
My Thanks to Stephen and Nick for an excellent
rescue, to Derek Scales and SSLC staff for their treatment of the
seal, to Alan Farr and Becky for transporting Him and a HUGE Thank
You to East Winch for their time, dedication and continued support.
Bev Drayton
Simon & Beverley Drayton
Area Coordinators
Humberside & North Yorkshire
Montrose
medics rescue seal pup with alopecia
15th March
15.03.06 12.00hrs Dog walker observer
for the group Jill Bridges called Elaines mobile (which was being
covered by Medic Andy Dulley) to say that there was a pup on the
beach near Montrose that was looking poorly.
13.00hrs Medics Andy
Dulley, Paul Horne and Jacque Watt arrived on scene where they found
a fully weaned Grey seal pup, excellent body condition, respiration
monitored at 9bpm. The new medics were thrown by what appeared to
be a "moulting" process and therefore called Elaine who
was unavailable for the day (but was rushed to the scene) to give
her opinion. With Paul straddled the pup Elaine recorded the temperature
wich was 39.2 degrees, the pup was determined as being a male fully
weaned grey and was showing signs of alopecia to the head and neck
with a few open abrasions to the upper head and front flippers..
Middlebank were called and a seal pen booked and Medic (also Shanwell
Wildlife Rescue Trustee) Gareth Norman placed on standby to assist
the new medics with tubing due to Elaines unavailability.
14.30 "Arnie"
as the pup was named, arrived at Broughty Ferry where it was weighed
in at 24kg. The eyes were bathed with saline solution and 240mls
of lectade plus was administered and a faecal sample containing
worms collected for passing on to Middlebank. [click
on image to enlarge]
15.30 Montrose Medics Paul Horne and Peter Taylor
left Broughty Ferry on their way to SSPCA Middlebank at Inverkeithing
with an E.T.A. being 16.30hrs.
16.45 The pup arrived at Middlebank and was given
reference number 136.
Thanks to Jill Bridges for reporting the pup to
us, Montrose Medics Andy Dulley, Paul Horne and Jacque Watt. Montrose
Co-ordinator Elaine Roft. Dundee Medic also Shanwell Wildlife Rescue
Trustee Gareth Norman for assisting the new Montrose Medics, SSPCA
Middlebank. Aberdeenshire Co-ordinator Nick Duthie for offering
his services of help.
Particular thanks
to Pete and his dog who initially reported the pup in the morning
to the coastguards. It was whilst Medic Andy Dulley was looking
for the pup that a coastguard member pointed him in the right direction
- Thanks to this particular coastguard member for doing this.
Pete - If you read this on the BDMLR Forum, apologies
for my not getting back to you - the number you gave me is incomplete.
I tried calling you at 22.30hrs.
Elaine Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Montrose Area Co-ordinator (Inverbervie-Easthaven)
Seal
pup rescue from Ulrome, Yorkshire
Saturday
11th March (also see previous report below)
I received
a call from Sue at approximately 15.45hrs whilst I was away from
the computer [typical], and made my way home to coordinate rescue
efforts for the grey seal pup. The call from Sue was quiet alarming,
my ‘knee jerk’ diagnosis was that the pup was having
some sort of fit due to having ingested something. Knowing that
Alan was a ‘virgin’ medic, my concern was that he would
be on an adrenalin high, so not have considered the possible outcome
of rescuing a very poorly seal. I felt it necessary to forewarn
him of the possibilities. Sue had already got Neil Wray mobilised
and he was about 20mins behind Alan in heavy traffic. I called the
first informant to get ‘sit rep’ on the seal, and was
again told 
that
the pup had green foam coming from its mouth and was ‘thrashing
about’. You can imagine what was going through my mind. To
add to my concerns, I was told that an individual known to be licensed
to shoot seals near fishing nets, had made threats to harm the seal.
Simon was due to go to work, about 10mins from where the rescue
was taking place, so he made the decision to go early so he could
see the animal himself and find out more about the situation. [click
on images to enlarge]
Once on scene he caught the seal,
a ‘this years grey’ and thoroughly examined ‘Him’.
By chance, several photo’s were taken for training purposes
[ our thanks to Neil]. The seal had no sign of any discharge from
any facial orifice, nor had he any injury. It transpired that the
member of the public had wanted him relocated due to the threat
made to it. As this is an ongoing problem in that area and practically
impossible to remove every seal that hauls out due to logistics,
we made the decision to leave him in situ and monitor him over the
next 72hrs. He was well away from any ‘dog walking threat’
and not easily visible to the public who may get near enough. Simon
let it be known locally that medics would be observing the seal
with the hope that it would be a deterrent to anyone with thoughts
of harming him. They left the animal with trepidation.
On Saturday
morning we received a call from Keira an RSPCA ACO. She told us
she had just been called to a seal with a possible gun shot wound
to the head. We asked her where the seal was located, and it was
approximately 500yrds from the seal pup that was being monitored.
At that point she didn’t know whether it was still alive.
We kept in contact and asked her to transport it to our vet in Bridlington
and arranged to meet her there. Whilst enroute to the vet, Keira
called to say it was a young grey male and he was still alive though
he had a head injury, 
It didn’t look like a gun
shot wound.
With heavy hearts we arrived at the vets, and examined and photographed
him. He had a very nasty eye injury and his temperature was 102
and he was very poorly. We were as certain as we could be that this
was the same animal as the night before. I asked the vet in her
opinion, how the injury had occurred. Whilst being loath to commit
herself without x-rays, she did say she believed it to be some form
of blow to the head. The seal was given the usual injections, transferred
to a vary kennel and after making calls to East Winch seal hospital
(RSPCA), began his 6hr journey.
I informed East Winch off the history of this
seal and await further information from their vet as to how the
injury may have occurred. Unfortunately the seal is too poorly to
operate on as yet, though he has had his eye lanced to relieve the
pressure. The vet has said that he will have to remove the right
eye when he is well enough. Hopefully we will then have a clearer
picture as to what caused the injury.
I will update everyone
as soon as I have any news as to the seals progress.
Beverley Drayton
North East Area Coordinator
Friday 10th
March 2006
Received a call from Sue at HQ at 16:05 hrs
asking to attend a seal found on the beach on the East Riding coast
with apparent green foam coming from its mouth and fitting.
Once over the shock and being totally unprepared
(having completed my training just two weeks prior) I attended the
site at around 17.10 hrs - via a trip home to pick up anything I
could think of - to find a rather plump 3ft common seal with no
obvious signs of injury or illness, although the gentlemen who found
it (who were still at the scene) maintained the foaming and fitting
were occurring prior to my arrival.
After various texts/phone calls to Area Coordinator Bev Drayton
with my best diagnosis, I was joined on the beach by experienced
Medic Neil at around 17:30 hrs who examined the seal thoroughly
and determined it was healthy and perhaps 6 weeks of age as it still
had a fair amount of down fur. He said it had probably spent a couple
of days in the surf and had just dragged itself up to the top of
the beach to rest, awaiting the next high tide.
Neil made a call to Area Coordinator Simon
Drayton who said he would also attend as was a short distance away.
On arrival he concurred that it was indeed a very (plump!) healthy
seal. All agreed to leave it where it was.
Many thanks to Bev for her advice and keeping
me sane(ish!) on my first shout and to Neil and Simon for your expertise
and guidance on site, which incidentally was one of the coldest
places I’ve ever been!!
Alan Stewart
MMMedic – North East
Grey
Pup Rescue for Montrose Team, Scotland report by
Elaine Roft
7th January
07.03.06 Grey Seal Pup found in a location
near Montrose at 11.54hrs reported to Co-ordinator Elaine Roft by
local dog walker Jill Bridges who is a team observer. Medics Jacque
Watt and Willie Taylor are responding to the call.
11.58hrs Confirmation to Elaine from Jacque that
its a fully weaned grey seal pup named "Blue", reasonable
body condition, creamy discharge from the nostrils, eyes tightly
closed, hump backed appearance and difficulty in moving.
12.27hrs Monitoring of pup finds it with a Respiration
of 15bpm and there is now slight haemorrhaging from the nose. This
may be due to possible lungworm or nasal mites.
13.18hrs The seal has been gently herded up the
beach away from the water which has a very fast undercurrent, thus
allowing Medics more room to work with the seal without putting
themselves at risk.
13.25hrs The pup has
now been stretchered in a soft blanket on to the high tide line,
respiration is erratic at 29bpm and increasing. Pup is unfit to
travel so Elaine has requested vet assistance on scene. Elaine spoke
with Gemma (vet receptionist) advising that euthanasia may be required
on scene or intravenous drip - would she ensure that the vet is
informed. Estimated
time of arrival for local vet (Robson & Partners) is given as
15.00hrs. BDMLR Consulting vet Cameron McPherson was unable to assist
as he was engaged in seal business at Thurso. Meantime the pup is
left to rest on its blanket stretcher away from public and canine
disturbance in a bid to reduce the respiration which has now hit
29bpm and increasing. Monitoring will continue by the team working
in shifts until the vet arrives on scene.
14.00hrs - 15.00hrs Respiration has been taken at
half hour intervals and has remained at 29bpm. A seal pen has been
provisionally booked at SSPCA Middlebank in Inverkeithing.
15.30hrs Mike Robson vet has examined the pup and
confirmed suspected lungworm and pneumonia (severe). Respiration
has shot up to 30bpm and the pups chances are very remote. No internal
damage so the go ahead was given to try and get it into rehab. Respiration
has risen to 37bpm. Rimadyl anti- inflammatories and draxxin antibiotics
have been administered on scene.Medic Paul Horne is commencing the
first leg of the relay from Montrose to Arbroath with the final
stage of transportation being carried out - Arbroath to Inverkeithing
by Medics Bob Pert and Allan Muir.
19.00hrs The pup arrived at Middlebank but as it
was being taken out of the car it sadly passed away. It returned
back to Montrose at 21.00hrs and will be taken to the Robson Veterinary
Hospital at Laurencekirk tomorrow by Elaine and Jacque for post
mortem by Mike Robson.
Thanks to Jill Bridges for reporting the pup to us. BDMLR Medics
and Co-ordinators Elaine Roft & Bob Pert. Medics Jacque Watt,
Willie Taylor, Andy Dulley, Paul Horne, Peter Taylor, Allan Muir
and Volunteer Iain Walker. BDMLR Vets Cameron McPherson & James
Barnett. Mike Robson of Robson & Partners (local Vet), Sandra
Bonar & staff at SSPCA Middlebank,Wilco cabs (Montrose) for
transporting our tank to us as we were without drivers earlier in
the day.
Well done to Willie, Andy and Jacque on your first
rescue and uplift supervised only via telephone communications with
Elaine - you did a great job and put your nervousness behind you.
I'm sorry it was a sad ending for you all but be proud with your
efforts and determination in helping "Blue". 204 miles
round trip clocked by the relay drivers Paul, Allan and Bob...sincere
thanks to all of you.
Elaine Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Montrose Area Co-ordinator (Inverbervie-Easthaven)
Images
by Andy Dulley BDMLR - click to enlarge |
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Mike Robson (vet) preparing anti inflammatories
and antibiotics
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