Coastguard called to 'dying dolphin' find 'live seal'

Torbay Coastguard was called out to reports of a stranded dolphin on Meadfoot Beach yesterday afternoon, 29 April.

When the crew arrived, they immediately established that it actually was a seal.

Concerns were raised because the seal wasn't moving or showing much life. The team spoke with the ops room, who were in contact with specialists, and following advice were able to get some fresh fish from Living Coasts coastal zoo and aquarium.

As soon as they threw some fish out to the seal he instantly revived and tucked into dinner, courtesy of the coastguard.

Experts confirmed that the seal was 'bottling' - a word used to describe the way seals sleep.