Cornwall Seal pup put to sleep after being hit by a boat's propeller

Warning: The article below contains image of the pup's wound some may find distressing

A seal pup had to be put to sleep after it was injured by a boat in Cornwall.

Its injuries were consistent with being struck by a boat propeller, according to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

The propeller gashes “had not penetrated her chest cavity even though they initially seemed severe”, according to the charity.

The pup was also malnourished, weighing only 10.3kg - Grey seal pups usually weigh about 4kg more than that at birth.

When she was taken to BDMLR Cornwall Seal Hospital, the charity says she "began to fit and didn’t respond to treatment, so ultimately had to be put to sleep to relieve her from further suffering".

There are currently two other pups receiving treatment from the seal hospital.

'Rock pipit' was rescued on November 21 from Portheras Cove. She was found entangled in a fishing net.

'Tern' was found in Holywell Bay on November 22. She was underweight and had a respiratory infection making it difficult for her to breathe.

The charity says they both seem to be on the mend.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue highlighted the importance of sharing the local habitat with wild animals.

They said: "We wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to always stay vigilant when operating watercraft, and remember that you are in the habitat of many wild species.

"It is their home, so let’s help to protect them."