Seth keeps stranded seal safe at Silver Beach
The NSRI commended youngster and his parents, Archie and Mandi Gurr for their assistance.
Young Seth Gurr (12) insisted on guarding a seal stranded on Silver Beach in Port Edward last Sunday. Tokkie Livingstone, NSRI Port Edward deputy station commander, said the duty crew, dispatched after being alerted to the stranding by a member of the public, found Seth and his parents, Archie and Mandi, guarding what turned out to be a juvenile elephant seal.
ALSO READ : Fisherman assisted by NSRI in health scare at sea
“The seal was being pounded by waves in the surf line and had reached the shore when some children, trying to assist, pushed it back into the water,” said Mr Livingstone. “It appeared to struggle in the water for some time before returning to the beach where it was then guarded by the Gurr family.” The KZN Marine Animal Stranding Network was alerted and members, together with Ezemvelo Wildlife rangers, Ekubu Estate and Wolf Security officers arranged to guard the seal through the night. The plan was to move the seal, dubbed ‘Buddy’ by its rescuers, to either Mpenjati Nature Reserve in Port Edward or to uShaka Marine World in Durban on Monday morning, depending on its condition.
In a happy turn of events however, the seal returned to the water under its own steam during the early hours of Monday morning and swam away.
The NSRI commended Seth and his parents for their assistance, and thanked those who guarded the seal through the night. Should you spot a stranded marine animal, call the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre at 087 0949774 or NSRI Port Edward at 082 9905951.
HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
