VOLUNTEERS helped rescue a stranded seal on Meols beach.
Wirral Coastguard officers were called at around 2.40pm on Saturday, September 7 following reports of a stranded porpoise not far from the tide on Meols beach.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) medics were also called and once on scene discovered that the porpoise was actually a large male seal.
BDMLR medics assessed the seal and decided to encourage it to go back into the water.
Once this was completed, rescuers were helped back to the slipway by RNLI volunteers on board the Hoylake Hovercraft.
In a statement, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station said: "It was decided by the team on scene to allow the seal to continue basking in the sun and wait for the tide to come in, rather than try to move and refloat it.
"The Hoylake Hovercraft brought the teams back ashore before returning to station to be washed down by the shore crew and made ready for service again.
"If you see a stranded marine mammal, call the BDMLR on 01825 765 546 (9am-5pm) or 07787 433 412 (outside office hours).
"If you see someone in trouble on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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