A seal pup was found 'dehydrated and malnourished' by divers after she was spotted off the coast of Barrow.

Sarah Neill, Cumbria co-ordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said the pup was seen at Foulney Island and had to be rescued.

"The seal pup is unusual as it looks and behaves like a grey seal, but grey seal pupping season is winter not summer. She has the 'v' shaped nose of a common seal so perhaps could be a hybrid," she said.

"She was deemed to be dehydrated and malnourished with visible neck and hip bones signifying poor body condition. The decision was made to uplift.

"Unfortunately no spaces were available at any vets or rehab centres so the seal pup was brought to mine where she has been kept in a large seal crate.

"Whilst not ideal the team have given the best care in the given circumstances and the seal has improved. We managed to force feed her first fish."

The Mail: Bessie taking a well earned nap after her ordealBessie taking a well earned nap after her ordeal

The seal will have a vet check in Darlington before being transferred to Scarborough Sea Life Centre. Once the seal is back up to weight, she will be released back into the wild. 

The team has named her Bessie. 

Some of the divers are marine mammal medics from Kendal College. Bessie was their first rescue.