Hauled from the river Thames by a 15-strong rescue team is just the latest drama in the eventful life of a seal called Freddie.
The common seal, whose life so far has been anything but, has clocked up a journey of hundreds of miles and three rescues.
The adventurous pup, aged just nine months, started his journey in the Netherlands last year where he was treated at a hospital in August where he was given his name.
After he was released, he then turned up in Calais France in January, where he was treated at another seal rescue centre suffering from lungworm.
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Three weeks ago having made a good recovery, he swam the Channel before making his way 70 miles up the river Thames to Teddington Lock, south west London.
But his life was put in danger a week later where he was snagged in the mouth by a fishing lure.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and TV vet Scott Miller, whose practice is nearby, led a rescue mission to get Freddie to safety.
Using a special 80-foot net and rescue rafts, the seal was coaxed into the lock then hauled up to the bank by a 15-strong team.
During the rescue the hook, which could have prevented Freddie from feeding properly, fell out as he came ashore.
During an examination his flipper tag number was checked and it was only then that the team discovered Freddie’s full history.
After treating his wound and a dose of antibiotics, he was driven to the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, where he was released back into the Thames Estuary where there is an established seal colony.
Scott said: “His lip was quite swollen, but it was fortunate that the lure hadn’t caused further damage to his mouth.
“Seals do travel big distances but for one so young, this is really impressive.
“The fact that he was so far up-river is a good sign.
"It shows the water is clean and there's plenty of fish.
“Hopefully this third rescue will be his last."
