An injured seal discovered off Palm Beach has highlighted the serious threat boat strikes pose to marine wildlife along Sydney’s northern coastline.
Sydney man Lachie King documented his discovery of the severely wounded seal floating near Palm Beach, at the northern end of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Video footage showed the animal with a serious injury above its tail, consistent with propeller damage, and appearing severely weakened in the water.
Photo Credit: TikTok / @lachiiekiing
King reported using jet skis to keep sharks away from the vulnerable animal while attempting to secure help. Despite contacting NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORCCA), NSW Maritime, and water police, King struggled “for hours” to find an authority willing to assist.
“It’s definitely done a lot of tissue and muscle damage,” King said of the seal’s injuries.
ORCCA representatives eventually arrived to photograph and assess the seal, confirming it had been struck by a boat. Though they determined the animal should be transported to Taronga Zoo for treatment, safety concerns prevented the volunteers from moving it. After nearly a day-long effort, the seal was left on its own, with its current condition unknown.
The Palm Beach incident occurs in an area known for its marine activity, with the northern beaches waterways hosting significant recreational boating traffic. This combination of busy waterways and marine wildlife creates ongoing risk for species that must surface to breathe.
Boat strikes have become an increasing concern in Sydney’s coastal waters, with Palm Beach’s position at the entry to Pittwater and its proximity to Barrenjoey Headland making it a particular hotspot for both marine wildlife and vessel traffic.
The Palm Beach case adds to recent incidents along Australia’s east coast, including fatal injuries to a turtle in Noosa and serious injuries to a dolphin in January, reinforcing calls for boaters to exercise greater caution in known wildlife areas.
Published 18-February-2025
