Hank the Seal is still on Formby Beach

This cover photo is by Colin Lane

The Seal is still stranded on Formby beach. It was left stranded on Formby beach after solar eclipse 'supertide'.

The seal has been named as 'Hank' now and is back on the shore line this morning but the Marine Wildlife Rescue are monitoring the situation closely - According to Taffi Thomas from Facebook group Scouse Pets - the rescue Co-Ordinators on her way and said apparently it's quite normal for them to do this whilst shredding their winter coats but usually done in their colonies.

Taffi says "Hank is now sealed off and if anyone is thinking of visiting please keep your distance and dogs on leads but he would prefer to be left alone or seem at a distance so as not to stress him further. The Sea wildlife are in constant contact with me with updates and progress but he could be there for quite a few more days by all accounts"

Seal on Formby Beach. Photo by Taffi Thomas.jpg

Photo by Taffi Thomas on Scouse Pets Facebook Page (Link at bottom)

The marine mammal was stranded on the sands near Formby point on Monday morning (23rd March).

Photos of the seal were shared on Facebook group Scouse Pets by Taffi Thomas, who said it had no visible signs of injury but was only able to move a few inches at a time.

She later wrote that the seal had moved closer to the sea and was reportedly in good health, adding: “hopefully in next couple of hours he will be fully submerged and will be able to join his colony on Hilbre Island.”

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), a charity which helps to rescue seals, said it was normal for seals to come onto beaches after high tides and stormy weather and they were often just resting.

High tides and extreme low tides have been seen across the country because of the gravitational pull of the sun, moon and planets after the sun and moon lined up directly on Friday.

The BDMLR website advises: “Seals regularly haul out on our coasts - it is part of their normal behaviour and in fact they spend more time out of the water, digesting their food and resting.

“Therefore, finding a seal on the beach does not mean there is necessarily a problem and they should not be chased back into the sea as this may stop them from doing waht they need to do - rest. A healthy seal should be left well alone.

This photo by Taffi Thomas

After stormy weather and High tides, it is usual for seals to come out onto beaches to rest and re-gather their strength. Many do not need first aid, but we will always try to find someone to check them out just in case.”

If you see a seal that may be stranded or ill, call the BDMLR hotline on 01825 765546 (office hours) or 07787 433412 (out of hours) or the RSPCA’s hotline for England & Wales, 0300 1234 999.