Just a few days old and separated from its mother, this grey seal pup was discovered yesterday morning washed up on the beach at Grouville. Picture: ALAN GICQUEL

A GREY seal pup, believed to be just two or three days old, was washed up alive on Grouville Beach yesterday morning.

From the moment the white pup was discovered below the wall at Fort Henry and the alarm was raised, tremendous efforts were made to ensure its survival in the hope that the mother would return for it on the next full tide.

The Channel Islands co-ordinator for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Donna de Gruchy, was called to the beach at around 10.40 am by staff from the Animals’ Shelter and the States Veterinary department.

The pup was monitored throughout the day and the area cordoned off. Vet Hugh Forshaw returned to the beach after 4 pm when, with the tide rising and no sign of the mother, the team decided to take it to the Animals’ Shelter.

The pup was due to be flown today by wildlife photographer Gregory Guida in his private plane to the GSPCA sanctuary in Guernsey where staff are trained to care for it. It is likely to remain there until its condition is stable.