Brutal winter storm "Xavier", did more than frighten people on the ground. The fierce weather phenomenon hit the idyllic island of Helgoland in the Baltic Seas, and 50 seal pups seem to have gone missing with the storm.
The pups are a clutch of seals that have just been born, basically almost halving the winter's generation for the year. It is also a huge tourist draw, since the seal pups are a beloved animal for the visiting tourists.
This is the birthing season for seals. However, the storm removed 50,000 cubic meters of sand, most of it inhabited by the seals.
Of the estimated 141 seals born this year, only 94 remain. It is a depressing sight. Seals are very attached to their pups, so the beach is crawling with grieving cows, looking everywhere for their young and crying.
The problem with baby seals is that although they can resist the cold, they cannot resist the water, since they do not have enough protective fat built up to brave the Baltic chill.
A handful of pups were saved on the shore, and brought to the Friedrichskoog Seal Center on the mainland.
In addition, the storm has destroyed part of the beach, which will have to be restored before the tourists can return; another blow to the local economy
Source : Spiegel International 12.11.13
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