07/14/2026
We’d like to thank the many concerned people who took a moment to call our Hotline (ca 40 calls to 833-667-6626), or call and text members of our team about the injured adult male seal who maneuvered his way along the south shore of Nantucket on Sunday. This unfortunate creature had been seriously injured by a boat propeller (indicated by 3 gashes across his back). His behavior of making his way on the surface of the water some 15-20 feet from shore was highly unusual and drew the attention of hundreds of beach goers and lifeguards. The MMAN team had observed him a few days before and followed his progress from 12:30 PM until early evening on Sunday. We had hoped he would come ashore to possibly facilitate a visual exam at least, and take a much needed rest. By sundown, he was out of sight and hopefully hauled out in a quiet place on Tuckernuck.
MMAN is a stranding response team. We are not permitted for water rescue. Add to that this was an adult male gray seal - likely 500+ lbs. and not a size we could capture and transport to rehab several hours out of state. We are grateful to all who called, texted, and spoke to us on the beach. Your compassion was felt and heartening. Please call us for any marine mammal ashore. Remember to stay 150’ away, leash your dog. Seals need to rest 50% of the time! If he/she notices you, you are too close. Give them space. Thank you from all of us at MMAN - Nantucket’s only NOAA authorized marine mammal rescue team!
