'Playful' seal pup climbs aboard rower's boat

A rower had an unexpected encounter during a river training session when a curious seal pup clambered aboard her boat.

Louise Manning was taking a breather on the River Dart in Totnes, Devon, when the young seal popped up beside her and climbed on to the front of her boat.

"It looked like a little pup, just inquisitive and playful," she said.

"It had four or five goes at getting on the end of the scull, not quite wide enough for him, but it was great entertainment for everyone watching."

Ms Manning, who rows on the Dart about four times a week, said she often sees seals nearby but has never had one on her boat before.

"It was quite special," she added. "I hope it happens again, but I'm not sure it will."