A WARNING has been issued for boat owners to remain vigilant after a pup found with serious injuries caused by a propeller strike had to be put to sleep.

Earlier this month, marine mammal medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) group were dispatched to attend to an injured seal pup in the sea off Mylor.

Despite the injuries not being as bad as initially thought, the poor pup was found to be seriously undernourished and was picked and taken to the BDMLR Cornwall Seal Hospital.

Shortly after admission though the pup had a fit and did not survive.

Posting on thier Facebook page the marine life rescue group said: "These injuries appeared consistent with a boat propeller strike, which luckily had not penetrated her chest cavity even though they initially seemed severe. However, this poor pup was also malnourished at a tiny 10.3kg, so she was picked up and admitted to our @bdmlr_seal_hospital_cornwall.

"Sadly, shortly after admission, she began to fit and didn’t respond to treatment, so ultimately had to be put to sleep to relieve her from further suffering.

"Unfortunately not every rescue has a happy ending, but at least we were able to free her from her trauma and pain. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to always stay vigilant when operating water craft, and remember that you are in the habitat of many wild species.

"It is their home, so let’s help to protect them."