Drama Unfolds as Beachgoer Mistakes Waving Seals for Distressed Surfer and Falsely Rings in Alarm Bells

The surfing community witnesses all sorts of strange occurrences that end up being remembered as amusing memories. Likewise, a recent incident in New Zealand made the news after a false alarm was signaled due to a seal. A busy Sunday at St. Clair Beach, Dunedin was interrupted after a beachgoer perceived a playing seal as a call for help by a surfer in danger.

In a recent article by Stuff, it was revealed that an entire rescue operation was set in motion after the public member dialed the emergency number. Surprisingly, the rescue experts weren’t surprised but amused by the happening. 

A false alarm causes a hilarious episode

According to the publication, a water rescue force hurriedly reached the location at 6.30 pm and carefully searched the beach and waters for a surfer in trouble. The beachgoer, who rang 111 for assistance, claimed that the surfer had seemingly waved at them for help. Soon, it was found that the distressed surfer was actually “a seal waving at the informant with its flipper.” 

Cam Burrow, a search and rescue member was amidst his rugby training when he was called out for the rescue operation and rushed to the St. Clair Surf Live Saving Club. In his 15 years of surf rescuing experience, he revealed that this was the first time a seal sparked a rescue drive. “It was an interesting one, that is for sure,” Burrow remarked. The search member and his team prepped up the boat and headed toward the direction where the people asserted “they saw something.”  

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The team couldn’t find any person but two seals playing with fish. Regardless, they continued the search and eventually concluded it after sunset. They made sure that their conclusion was accurate and got back to the beach. Finally, Burrow shared, “We get called for all sorts of things – we have gone out before for logs and seaweed – so it is not surprising.” Moreover, he urged that such cases keep them on their toes and are an opportunity for emergency training. 

Evidently, the probabilities of the vast ocean and seas are infinite, therefore, staying cautious and vigilant must be a go-to behavior for beach dwellers and other athletes nearby. Don’t you agree? Share with us in the comments.

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