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.

Sources: Linked above.

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The young skipper spotted a Cape fur seal in trouble and acted immediately!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2025) – It all started when a young man named Tobelani, skipper of a V&A Waterfront sweeper boat, noticed a seal in distress near the Robben Island Ferry jetty, tangled up in debris.

Instead of trying to intervene himself, he did the smartest thing and immediately called in the experts. The Two Oceans Aquarium’s Marine Wildlife Management team has years of experience handling situations like this, and Tobelani’s quick-thinking meant they could get to the scene quickly enough to help.

That did not mean he left things there, though. The young man was determined to see the rescue of the Cape fur seal through to the end.

Joined by the Two Ocean Aquarium’s wildlife monitor Elviro, Tobelani helped track down the struggling animal and within minutes, they managed to cut away the entanglement and set the seal free.

Entanglement is one of the biggest threats facing seals, whales, and other marine life. Rope, fishing line, or discarded plastic can cut deep into their skin, restrict their movement, and, if left untreated, often leads to infection, starvation, or even drowning.

These harsh outcomes can be prevented when we keep our eyes sharp and expert emergency contacts close.

And this time, it all came down to teamwork and a skipper that made sure to see it through. Fifteen minutes out of their day, and a wild life was saved.

It costs nothing to pay attention, and it’s worth everything when you care enough to act!

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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