Gannet plucked to safety in dramatic rescue at Chesil Cove, Portland

Volunteers carrying out a beach clean at Chesil Beach on Saturday spotted a gannet entangled in raft of discarded fishing debris and trying to escape.

Picture: Chesil Beach Watch/Facebook

Izzy Imset, who initiated the rescue, said local diver Roger Hoyle first alerted him to the trapped gannet and he rushed to the scene to help. Mr Imset said: "I met Roger on site who showed me the raft of pollution and the gannet in the middle of it struggling to get out.

"Waves were breaking hard and the raft was too far out to do anything. I could only capture what was happening on video. I shared it through the Chesil Beach community and regional pages I run, as well as through our Underwater Explorers page.

"We feared the gannet would die when the pollution finally touched shore, covered in swell."

The first video was watched by more than 15,000 people internationally who sent messages of concern and support, Mr Imset said. He returned several hours later to check the conditions and notified the RSPCA as well as conservationists Derek Davey and Frances Ponting, who made their way to the beach to help.

Adrian Davies, of Weymouth Fossil Hunters, and his two sons, also turned up with a parachute cord after watching the first video.

Adrian Davies, Izzy Imset and Derek Davey

After getting into diving gear and arming himself with cutters to free the gannet, Mr Imset used the cord to reach the bird.

Mr Imset continued: "By then the gannet had been able to free its legs but this time ended up with net wrapped around the bottom of its neck. It was like a noose, almost strangling it.

"Not once did the gannet even attempt to peck me. Just the opposite, it extended its neck, using wings to balance itself, patiently letting me work to release it, eyes looking at me as if it knew freedom was around the corner."

Once released, the gannet came to shore when it was put in a purpose-made protective box made by Mr Davey, who has helped to save hundreds of birds along the coast over several years.

By Sunday morning, the video had more than 30,000 views and had been shared to many different pages online, and the gannet was walking and eating despite being weak. It is due to be taken into the professional care of the RSPCA.

Mr Imset said the incident highlighted the threat of 'ghost fishing' - lost, discarded or deliberately dumped fishing nets, crates and lines. He said: "The more we can raise awareness of 'ghost fishing', that claims wildlife on our shores, the more something may be done."

Picture: Derek Davey