The recent attempt to rescue a stranded Harbour porpoise (not a Harbour seal, as reported in The Argus, July 29) at Eastbourne beach would not have been possible if it were not for the training, support over the phone and medics who attended on-site from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) works closely with BDMLR and was grateful for its support with this stranding and previous rescues in the area.

I am the rescue co-ordinator for East Sussex WRAS and the assistance co-ordinator for BDMLR in Sussex.

I was surprised The Argus failed to mention BDMLR and the important role it played.

I would be grateful if you would print this letter to express our thanks to BDMLR medics Steven Marsh, Alec Anscombe, David Clark, Kay Wright, Alison Beaden and Andy Tilney, some of whom are also rescuers for East Sussex WRAS.

I would also like to express my thanks to Eastbourne Lifeguards, who helped search for the porpoise's mother, and to Alan Knight, BDMLR's director, and Sue White in the BDMLR office, who provided valuable support and advice over the phone.

Without BDMLR, this rescue would not have been possible. Thank you to everyone who helped. It was a sad outcome but we tried our best.

-Trevor Weeks, Hailsham