A group of seabirds have been released back into the wild after being found on the Sussex coast covered in oil.

Over a dozen birds were rescued along the coast by the RSPCA after being rescued from being covered in oil – which could prove fatal.

Now, after being washed and recuperated, many of the seabirds have been released back into the wild.

The animal rescue charity said four razorbills and seven guillemots were released earlier this week at Pett Level Beach in Hastings. The birds were rescued in February after being found covered in an “oily” substance.

The birds were looked after at the RSPCA’s Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in Hastings.

The Argus: A bird saved from the oily substanceA bird saved from the oily substance (Image: RSPCA)

Richard Thompson, an oiled bird rehabilitation expert, said: “We are delighted and relieved that a number of the oiled seabirds we’ve been treating have now recovered enough to be released back into the wild.

“Over the past three weeks, a total of 10 guillemots and five razorbills have been admitted to Mallydams due to contamination. Our expert team rehydrated and hand-fed them where necessary on admission. Our priority has been to stabilise each of them and once a bird has improved enough to tolerate handling, we wash off the substance using our specialised facility.

“A seabird’s plumage must be perfect for them to survive, so our biggest challenge with oiled birds is to ensure that the very stressful process of washing them is completed the first time round as thoroughly as possible.

“Once the earlier arrivals were free of contaminants and given a clean bill of health, we were confident they were ready to be released back into the wild, where they belong.”

“We’re lucky to have decades of experience treating oiled birds, as well as specialised equipment to help treat them in a safe way.”

Four more birds will continue to be rehabilitated in Hastings before being returned to the wild when they are fully healthy.

Contaminants can prove fatal for waterbirds as it reduces the natural waterproofing in their plumage. This can lead to them suffering from hypothermia and dying.

Anyone who sees an oiled bird is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.