Stranded porpoise rescued from mud flats in Humber Estuary

A porpoise has been helped back out to sea after becoming stranded on mud flats in the Humber Estuary.

Hull Coastguard Rescue Team said crews were alerted by a member of the public who spotted the animal to the rear of Livingstone Road in Hessle on Saturday.

Basic first aid was provided - mainly consisting of keeping its skin wet - before the porpoise was moved onto an inflatable mud sled, they said.

It was then taken to deeper water and successfully released.

The rescue operation was carried out by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team and Humber Rescue.

A spokesperson said: "On arrival, the techs assessed the porpoise [and] it appeared to be in good physical health.

"The techs walked the sled out into the water, with the biggest concern being the animal suffering severe shock or worse, as they can be notoriously skittish."

After being released, the porpoise was spotted swimming directly away towards the middle of the river, the spokesperson added.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) previously issued a plea to members of the public not to try and assist stranded cetaceans themselves, but to call for help.

It followed an incident in Bridlington in March where a member of the public reportedly "dragged" a porpoise back out to sea.

The charity said animals such as dolphins and porpoises would not beach themselves under normal circumstances, and may require treatment, or a period of recovery, before being fit enough to swim strongly.

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