A Cape fur seal spotted with a tight noose around its neck in Hout Bay has been successfully freed after a coordinated rescue effort!
Western Cape, South Africa (27 March 2026) – The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre first raised concern over the weekend when the Cape fur seal was seen with a piece of discarded material cutting into its neck, like a noose.
The photos are difficult to look at, but they show the reality of entanglement. How quickly waste in the ocean can turn into a serious, life-threatening injury…
An initial rescue attempt on Sunday, supported by the NSRI and the Two Oceans Aquarium, was unsuccessful when the seal unfortunately left the harbour before the team could reach him.
Then, on a second sighting, things came together!
“This morning the [Cape fur seal] with the noose around his neck came into the Hout Bay Harbour again. We had everything we needed, the skill, the tools and the dedication. All we needed was a boat to get to him.”
That final piece came down to compassionate people willing to help. The team reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris, and without hesitation, they agreed to take Amos, Abel and Jo out on their boat.
“We reached out to Captain Jack’s Ocean Safaris Hout Bay to take [us] out in their boat and they said yes!!”
Using a long hook borrowed from fellow marine heroes at Two Oceans Aquarium, the team was able to reach the seal from the vessel.
“We knew that we would be able to get close enough with the long hook that the Two Oceans Aquarium has lent us to do the job.”
Because everything came together so speedily, the team was able to act quickly when the seal returned.
“So all aboard and out they went. It took one stretch forward, under the noose with the hook, the seal jumped off the pipe and the blade cut up and released the rope.”
The seal is now free and back in the salty ocean water, where its wounds can begin to heal up!
“We are so grateful to Anthea and team from Captain Jacks Safaris and the Aquarium helping us. So now the seal will heal in the salty ocean.”
Cases like this are part of a much bigger problem along South Africa’s coastline. Research tracking Cape fur seals over time has recorded hundreds of entanglements, most linked to discarded fishing gear and plastic waste. These materials can tighten, cut, and worsen wounds over time, which often leads to severe injury or death if animals aren’t reached in time.
That’s why what happens before waste reaches the ocean matters just as much as what happens after. Fishing line left behind on rocks, beaches or harbours can easily be pulled back into the sea by wind and waves, where it becomes almost invisible and incredibly dangerous to marine life.
There are already efforts along the coast trying to intercept this waste early. Projects like WESSA’s Stop the Strangle campaign are rolling out dedicated collection bins at popular fishing spots to catch discarded line before it washes into the ocean.
The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre are heroes who need help to keep up their meaningful work in rescuing and rehabilitating seals in need across the Western Cape.
The organisation is currently raising funds to cover the costs of a new rescue vehicle as their trusted old bakkie has reached the end of its lifespan. Beyond that, help covering operational costs like medical supplies and fuel is also needed. Your support will help keep the seals safe. Donate here.
by 