Two rowers saved a young swan from drowning in a river. The rowers were on the River Ouse in Lewes on Wednesday evening when they saw the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) trying to help the animal. The swan, which was first discovered by the river near the Lewes Tesco site, was unable to lift its head or move its legs after becoming stuck in a fishing line.
This was causing the swan to be repeatedly submerged underwater, with fears it could drown before being rescued. READ MORE: Sompting Wildlife Rescue faces abuse on social media Although the rescue service had help on the way with a boat and water rescue equipment, the two men rowing helped to guide the swan towards the river bank. The rescuers were then able to use a swan hook to secure it and untangle the line from around its neck and body.
On the riverbank, rescuers saw that the fishing hook had also become stuck in the swan's cheek, with more of it wrapped around its jaw, tongue, legs and wings multiple times. It was taken to the rescue centre for further care and treatment. Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS, said: "The light colour of the line made it challenging to see its direction.
"It was important not to tug on the line hastily as there could have been another hook hidden somewhere. "Unfortunately, the swan had line tightly wrapped round one of its legs which was too difficult to remove out on site. "The swan would need admission to ensure a ligature wound did not develop.
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