Flybe franchise partner Blue Islands today (Thursday, 18 August 2016) flew a seal pup from Jersey to Bristol to help with its treatment and rehabilitation after being found yesterday stranded on Jersey's Archirondel beach.

Donna de Gruchy of British Divers Marine Life Rescue led the initial rescue after being alerted by the JSPCA. Thorough examination by vet Ian Cox of New Era Veterinary Hospital revealed the seal pup was suffering from extreme mouth ulcerations, was extremely dehydrated, very underweight and had multiple superficial wounds. Donna said:

Once given the all clear from the vet that the seal was fit to travel and having worked with Blue Islands previously to transfer rescued seals to the UK, I called the airline this morning to see if it could once again assist with flights.

Clive Armstrong a medic for the BDMLR team who accompanied the seal on the flight to Bristol added:

We can't thank Blue Islands enough for quickly responding to our request for assistance and making the necessary arrangements to get this seal pup, now known as Ronda, to the UK.

The common seal, although not unheard of, is rare in Jersey's waters and travelled on Flybe's 15:35 Jersey to Bristol service operated by Blue Islands and was met at the airport by the RSPCA who will now provide Ronda with specialist care in the UK.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands' Managing Director said:

Blue Islands is only too pleased assist with Ronda's rehabilitation process in any way we can, we wish her a speedy recovery and hope she can soon be released back into the wild.