Dunbar: Sadness at fish hook in Sammy the seal's mouth

The seal is one of several often spotted in Dunbar harbour - all usually given the name 'Sammy'!

Sammy was seen by Michael McLeod, 38, who was visiting Dunbar, at about 5pm yesterday.

"It was sad to see," he said.

"Whenever we’re in Dunbar we make a point of looking out for Sammy at the harbour. We love seeing him 'boop' seagulls and roll around casually like he owns the place. We’ve chatted with tourists who’ve heard about him, so he seems to have a reputation beyond the town.

"When we spotted the fishing hook in his mouth we were worried and sad. The initial concern of wanting to help faded slightly when we noticed he was still eating, apparently quite happily. However, it’s a sizeable fishing hook so isn’t just going to fall out. He’ll have been in pain when it happened and likely will be in pain again due to the barb on the hook.

"If somebody made him take the bait on purpose they should be charged by police.

"There needs to be some accountability for people who leave their fishing hooks and lines lying around on the harbour or in the water. It’s dangerous litter, as dangerous as needles.

Seal rescues are co-ordinated by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) but caution often has to be taken when dealing with potentially dangerous animals.

Corrine Gordon, BDMLR area co-ordinator for Edinburgh and the Lothians, said that while the group can assist seals on land, they cannot help them while in the water.

She told the Courier: “If it is an adult seal then unfortunately there is nothing we can do. Adult seals can be highly aggressive, and we would be unable to help.

“If the seal is still in the water, we are also unable to help. We can only assist them when they are stranded on land.

“When things like fish-hooks get stuck, they will likely rot away over time and come out themselves.

“Unfortunately, in many cases we are unable to help.”

Those who see an abandoned, injured, thin or ill seal should contact BDMLR on 01825 765546