Scottish scientists investigate cause of death of nearly 30 seals with corkscrew injuries

Scottish scientists probe deaths of seals

EDINBURGH, Scotland — Scottish scientists say they’re investigating the deaths of seals found with corkscrew injuries the length of their bodies.

Over the past nine months, almost 30 mutilated gray and common harbor seals have washed up on Britain’s east coast. The carcasses have been found as far north as Scotland and along England’s Norfolk coast, about 130 miles (210 kilometers) northeast of London.

Dave Thompson, a research scientist from the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St. Andrews University, said Friday that a that predator was possible but, “given the injuries we have seen, our best guess at the moment is that it was caused by some sort of ducted propeller.”

The Scottish government says establishing the cause is crucial so the declining seal population can be protected.