Coastguards condemn picnickers who chase grey seals on Salisbury Bank near Hilbre Island

Jul 30 2008 by Laura Jones, Birkenhead News

Seals

COASTGUARDS have condemned thrill-seekers who terrorised grey seals on Salisbury Bank, near Hilbre Island.

Worried passers-by alerted the Coastguard to the group of 17 picnickers who had sailed out to the sand bank in three pleasure crafts last Sunday.

The Coastguard was informed that the day trippers were running up and down the bank, chasing the seals.

Stevie Travis, sector manager at Merseyside Coastguard, said: “Scaring seals is a very irresponsible activity. Not only does this cause distress to the seals but also can be hazardous to the individuals as seals can be quite aggressive, especially if there are young seal pups present.”

An RSPCA spokesman pointed out the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

She said: “Grey seals are protected by law and it is illegal to take, injure or kill them without a licence to do so.”

There were also concerns about two dinghies and a small motor boat being used to carry 17 people.

Mr Travis said: “The dangers of overcrowded vessels are obvious; the situation can be made even worse if basic safety equipment such as lifejackets are not used.”

As temperatures soared over the past week, so have the number of calls to the Coastguard team.

Old and young alike were in need of assistance last Wednesday when a 66-year-old paraglider was airlifted to hospital after crashing into Thurstaston cliffs, and a 15-year-old boy with an injury to his foot had to be rescued from Little Eye island.

Now Mr Travis is calling for people to enjoy the coastline responsibly.

He said: “Wirral has a beautiful coastline, but this has many dangers that can catch out the unwary.

“There are strong tides that can cause swimmers to get into difficulty and these can also cut walkers off very quickly.

“There are areas of mud in which you can easily end up stuck.

“If you see anyone in difficulty on the coast or at sea, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”