Seal Spotted In Boston's Charles River Is Caught

A seal that found its way into Boston's Charles River days before one of the world's largest rowing events has been caught and will soon be back in the ocean.

New England Aquarium spokesman Tony LaCasse says the wayward harbor seal was located Friday in the Charles River dam's boat locks north of the TD Garden building. An operator closed the locks to keep the seal from swimming back into the river.

LeCasse says the seal appears to about 5 1/2 feet long, 180 pounds and in excellent health. Plans are to release it into Boston Harbor.

The seal was spotted just days before this weekend's famed Head of the Charles Regatta.

LeCasse said officials remember only one other seal visiting the Charles in the aquarium's 40-year history.