A lion was spotted along the shore of the Arabian Sea in India's western coast off Gujarat state on Saturday.

The big cat then jumped into the water and began swimming away from shore.

According to locals, the lion must have strayed into the port area from a forest area from the nearby Gir National Park.

Officials were called immediately while crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the spectacle.

After the rescue team arrived, the lion was lifted from the water, tranquilised and sent to an animal care center.

Officials said the lion will be under supervision at the center and after proper treatment it will be released again into the wild.

A probe is underway to find out how it arrived at the port.