Hero's dramatic swim through cold water at Stanley Park lake in Blackpool to rescue trapped seagull
A heroic rescuer saves the life of a seagull trapped in fishing wire in Blackpool.
A seagull is recovering after a heroic rescuer saved it from being tangled in fishing wire on Stanley Park lake yesterday.
Lorraine Bullar - who is more used to saving lives at sea with the RNLI - didn’t hestitate to wade into cold water when the alarm was raised.
Eagle eyed wildlife helper Stuart Beaton had spotted how the gull was staying in the same spot. After investigating further, he noticed its leg was trapped in fishing tackle.
Mel Greenhalgh, of Brambles Wildlife Rescue, said: “We enquired with official channels to try to obtain a boat to retrieve her but was unable to gain any help until today at the earliest.
“If left, the gull could easily injure herself irreparably by dislocation trying to free herself so we asked on our page for anyone who might safely help.”
Thankfully heroine Lorraine, who has extensive experience saving lives with the RNLI and is a friend of the rescue, offered her help and donned her wetsuit to swim out to her.
“That's no mean feat swimming with a gull under your arm!” said Mel.
“Luckily she just chewed on her wetsuit.”
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Stuart then carefully removed the hook and with Brambles, they then shared the car journey halfway each to get her the 20 miles to help.
The gull, they have named Patience, is struggling today with a bad lump and can’t fly due to exhaustion.
But she is in the safe care of Brambles and they believe she will make a full recovery. The gull is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to prevent infection setting into the wound and to give pain relief.
Mel added: “Sadly the lack of appropriate enforcement of the fishing ban has undoubtedly contributed to harm to this poor gull.
“Our recent contact again requesting interim enforcement of anglers fishing outside of the permitted angling zone has unfortunately gone unanswered.
“We have called her Patience given her wait whilst we spent the afternoon coordinating the right team of people to help.
“Smashing piece of teamwork yet again by all involved.”