Baby seal escapes stormy sea and crosses busy road to nightclub in Herne Bay

A baby seal brought Herne Bay seafront in Kent to "an absolute standstill" on Wednesday morning when it left choppy seas, crossed a pub car park and a busy road, and ended up outside the Talk of the Town nightclub.

Stunned locals couldn't believe the seal had travelled over 50 yards to get there, and contacted the RSPCA.

Emma Gatfield, of Herne Court on Central Parade, who took the photo of the animal outside the club (top), told Kent Online: "It just looked really confused and was laying there quietly. It didn't look distressed. I just don't understand how he got over there.

"It is a baby but it is quite chunky for a baby seal. Lots of people were taking pictures but we have left it now."

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR), Kent Police and Herne Bay Coastguard arrived on the scene to help return the seal to the sea.

John Brooks of BDLMR told the BBC: "They quite often come out and sit on the beaches, particularly on rough days.

"But to actually cross a busy car park and busy road is very strange really."

He said traffic had to be diverted while the seal was checked over and carried away, adding: "It had some minor cuts and bruises so we picked it up and moved it down to Hampton Pier where there was a little bit of shelter. "

"We released it back into the sea and she swam off quite happily. It brought Herne Bay seafront to an absolute standstill for about 45 minutes."

Crowds of onlookers gathered to see the cute seal, and Merlene Dunkley got a snap of the rescue (above).

Coastguard watch officer Rebecca Polden told This Is Kent: "The animal was put in a cage and returned to the sea safe and well."

Related articles

Video: Adorable sea lion pup hitched a ride on diver's kayak

Cheeky seal rifles through tourist's bag on beach