A fourth seal in three months has been spotted in Manx waters entangled in plastic or rope.

The Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) received its latest call about a seal with a rubber ring around its neck on Monday night (August 5).

A volunteer from Manx Wild Bird Life (MWBA) spotted the animal on Fort Island, connected to the Langness peninsula, and contacted MWT marine officer Dr Lara Howe.

Shortly after the 7pm call she went out to rescue the seal, but unfortunately it couldn’t be caught.

She said it’s not always possible to do something about it, but it is better to know as soon as possible to try and help the animal.

’In June we had three reports - all seals had rope around their necks. One of them was said to have rope and an orange buoy attached to it,’ she told the Manx Independent.

’These sightings were reported by the public at Cronk ny Arrey Laa, near Niarbyl, Cranstal, which is near Bride, and the Calf of Man.’

The trust is urging residents to dispose of their waste carefully.

’It’s about being mindful about the products you use and how you use them, but also how they are disposed. It can be anything that has more than a single-use shelf life,’ Dr Howe said.

MWBA issued a statement on Facebook with photos taken by Lindsay and Steve Rowe, telling people to keep their eyes open and to report any sightings of the particular seal to help rescue it.

Its post read: ’We have contacted British Divers Marine Life Rescue for advice and they think the same seal was spotted in Wales last month - if it’s the same seal, he’s lost a lot of condition since then.

’They monitor tangled seals around the UK and said it can take months of waiting and watching until a tangled seal hauls out somewhere where volunteers can help them.’

The public are reminded to avoid rescuing seals entangled in rope themselves. Instead they should contact MWT via social media @ManxWildlifeTrust or by calling 844432.

Dr Howe added: ’Trying to rescue a seal can be dangerous to them and the seal. Seals can be vicious and an adult seal can weigh several kilos. The rocks might also cause you to slip. Myself and volunteers have done training, such as how to approach in an appropriate way.’