A kayaking guide in Walvis Bay, Namibia, filmed as he painstakingly removed a fishing line tightly wrapped around a young seal's neck and shoulders.

The filmer told Newsflare: "While kayaking along Pelican Point in Walvis Bay, Namibia, I spotted a young seal struggling near the water’s edge. At first, I thought it was just resting, but as I got closer, I noticed something heartbreaking — a thick fishing line was wrapped tightly around its neck and shoulders. The line had already cut deep into its skin, leaving painful wounds and restricting its movement.

"I knew I had to act quickly. Approaching a wild animal, especially one in pain, is never easy. The seal was frightened and tried to escape, but I managed to gently secure it from my kayak without causing further harm. With steady hands, I pulled out my knife and began cutting through the fishing line. Each strand I cut revealed just how deeply it had embedded into the seal’s body.

"After a tense few moments, the last piece of line snapped free. The seal paused for a second — almost as if realising it was finally free — and then slipped back into the water. Watching it swim away strongly, knowing it now had the chance to fully recover, was an unforgettable feeling.

"This experience was both humbling and eye-opening. It’s a powerful reminder of the devastating impact human waste, especially discarded fishing gear, has on marine life. But it also shows that even small acts of compassion can make a huge difference."

While kayaking along Pelican Point in Walvis Bay, Namibia, I spotted a young seal struggling near the water’s edge. At first, I thought it was just resting, but as I got closer, I noticed something heartbreaking — a thick fishing line was wrapped tightly around its neck and shoulders. The line had already cut deep into its skin, leaving painful wounds and restricting its movement.

I knew I had to act quickly. Approaching a wild animal, especially one in pain, is never easy. The seal was frightened and tried to escape, but I managed to gently secure it from my kayak without causing further harm. With steady hands, I pulled out my knife and began cutting through the fishing line. Each strand I cut revealed just how deeply it had embedded into the seal’s body.

After a tense few moments, the last piece of line snapped free. The seal paused for a second — almost as if realizing it was finally free — and then slipped back into the water. Watching it swim away strongly, knowing it now had the chance to fully recover, was an unforgettable feeling.

This experience was both humbling and eye-opening. It’s a powerful reminder of the devastating impact human waste, especially discarded fishing gear, has on marine life. But it also shows that even small acts of compassion can make a huge difference.