Bloated and badly injured otter recovering after being struck by boat

WATCH: The Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre is caring for an otter who’s appropriately nicknamed “Corky.” Elaine Yong has the story of why he needed to be rescued near Tofino.

A badly injured male sea otter is lucky to be alive.

The otter was found floating and severely bloated with fractured ribs and a punctured lung near Tofino, B.C. by some Good Samaritans last week. He was found bobbing on the surface and unable to dive because of the excess air trapped under his skin.

“The air trapped under the skin is actually a sign of healing, as it has moved from the thorax and is allowing the lung to expand again,” said Dr. Martin Haulena, Vancouver Aquarium head veterinarian.

“The real problem for this guy was because of the excess air, he couldn’t dive or forage and would have starved.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The air trapped under the skin is actually a sign of healing, as it has moved from the thorax and is allowing the lung to expand again," said Dr. Martin Haulena, Vancouver Aquarium head veterinarian.</p><p>"The real problem for this guy was because of the excess air, he couldn't dive or forage and would have starved."

The Vancouver Aquarium says due to the nature of the blunt force trauma on the otter, nicknamed ‘Corky’, that he was most likely hit by a boat. But thanks to the Vancouver Aquarium rescue team and officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Corky was safely scooped up and brought in for treatment.

Aquarium staff said he is receiving supportive care, regular meals and pain management, and is on the road to recovery.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure he has the best chance for a successful rehabilitation for the eventual release back into local waters,” Dr. Haulena said.