A "lifeless" grey seal pup was rescued from Felixstowe beach by marine life rescue medics.
The Suffolk team at charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue were called to reports of a barely moulted seal pup in a "prime spot" on Felixstowe beach on Friday, January 12.
Area co-ordinator Claire Flint said: "He looked quite healthy when he was monitored in the morning but stayed on the beach and avoided the water at high tide.
"When he was assessed again he was found to have a low temperature and pale gums which suggested he wasn't as healthy as we thought."
The seal was rescued from the beach and taken to the mobile seal rescue unit in nearby Trimley for further monitoring.
Medics, including rescue coordinator Jo Collins, tested the seal's glucose levels which came back low so they tried to raise it with glucose syrup.
"On Friday night we didn't make it through the evening," said Ms Flint.
"It feels like such a miracle, to be honest."
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The British Divers Marine Life Rescue received more than 3,000 callouts to seal rescues across Great Britain last year.
Grey seals and harbour seals are common in the North Sea and are often sighted along the Suffolk coast.
Both species of seals are protected in Great Britain under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.
"A lot of people don't realise we have both types of seal."
The seal pup rescued from Felixstowe is rehabilitating in the care of South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
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