Heartbreak as sea creature washes up at Yorkshire beauty spot


Beach visitors were left heartbroken after coming across a dead seal on the sand at Cayton Bay near Scarborough.

The seal was spotted on the beach this morning but it is not clear when it first appeared. It was spotted on the beach not far from the Salty Dog coffee shack.

Yorkshire Live reporter Samantha Teasdale saw the seal today (Wednesday, September 25) and wasn't sure at first if it was dead or alive until she saw that someone had written a message in the sand which said: "RIP Mr Seal. Love you."

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Samantha said: "According to the worker at the Salty Dog, it was there around 10am when she started working. She said it has been reported and she has been told that they are waiting for the high tide to take it out but hasn't happened yet.

"Apparently, according to the worker, it's the second one this week. She said it does happen sometimes but not this frequently. She said its awful to see it."

She added: "I was having a lovely day until I saw it. I didn't even know what it was until I walked a little closer. I got a shock as I thought It was alive and going to attack so I put the dog on its leash immediately but when I looked closer and at its eyes it was obvious."

Seal found dead on the beach at Cayton Bay, near Scarborough, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 -Credit:Yorkshire Live
Seal found dead on the beach at Cayton Bay, near Scarborough, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 -Credit:Yorkshire Live

Grey seals and Common seals can be found along the Yorkshire coast where they breed, rest and swim. Of the two, you are more likely to spot Grey seals in Yorkshire. The Common seal is smaller than the Grey and has a shorter head.

Instances of dead seals can be reported online to Yorkshire Seal Group. Previous deaths have been caused by plastic toys, entanglement in marine litter, and the effects of winter conditions on pups.

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