Seagull Rescued from Fishing Tackle After Five-Hour Struggle
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A seagull trapped in fishing tackle for over five hours near the Irish Sea was rescued by a team of volunteers. An RNLI-trained rescuer swam 50 feet into Stanley Park Lake to free the bird, which is now receiving medical care at Brambles Wildlife Rescue. The seagull, nicknamed 'Patience', is being treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.
Facts First
- A seagull was trapped in fishing line for more than five hours near the Irish Sea
- RNLI-trained volunteer Lorraine Bullar swam 50 feet into Stanley Park Lake to reach the bird
- The bird's leg was freed from fishing tackle and it was transported to a clinic
- Brambles Wildlife Rescue staff are caring for the seagull, nicknamed 'Patience'
- The seagull is receiving medical treatment including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication
What Happened
Volunteer Stuart Beaton spotted a seagull that had not moved for five hours near the Irish Sea. He alerted his team at Brambles Wildlife Rescue, who contacted Lorraine Bullar, a rescuer with experience from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Bullar swam 50 feet into Stanley Park Lake in Blackpool, Lancashire, while wearing a wetsuit to reach the bird, whose leg was trapped in fishing tackle. Stuart Beaton captured photos of the rescue, removed the hook from the bird, and transported it to a clinic.
Why this Matters to You
This rescue highlights the ongoing risk discarded fishing tackle poses to wildlife in public waterways, which you may visit or live near. It also demonstrates how coordinated volunteer efforts can effectively respond to such incidents. The successful intervention suggests that if you encounter a trapped animal, alerting a local wildlife rescue organization may lead to a positive outcome.
What's Next
The seagull, nicknamed 'Patience', is now under the care of Brambles Wildlife Rescue staff and receiving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Its recovery will depend on the effectiveness of this treatment and the extent of its injuries. The rescue may serve as a reminder to anglers and park visitors about the importance of properly disposing of fishing line to prevent similar incidents.