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Ewe lucky thing! RNLI rescue cliff
fall sheep
29.08.16
A DISTRESSED sheep
which plunged 200ft down a cliff was rescued
yesterday by Lough Swilly RNLI.
The alarm was raised at 4.30pm on Sunday when three
local fishermen spotted the stricken animal stranded
on a ledge in a ravine at Leenan Head, Clonmany,
with way out.
The fishermen contacted Malin Head Coast Guard and
Lough Swilly’s inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat was
requested to launch.
Weather conditions at the time were described as
good with a flat calm sea.
A kayaker who had also arrived on scene, first
paddled in close to the cliff in an attempt to
encourage the animal back up the hill. |
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Young ewe is sheepish after dramatic
Leenan Bay rescue. |
The lifeboat crew and
the kayaker then proceeded to enter the water and
make their way towards the sheep where they safely
caught her and gently placed her in the kayak before
transferring her into the lifeboat.
Once onboard the lifeboat, the sheep was comforted
by the crew and safely brought back to more familiar
surroundings on shore.
Lough Swilly RNLI volunteer press officer Joe Joyce
said: "We think the young sheep had fallen about 200
feet and with nowhere to go she was shaking from her
ordeal by the time we took her onboard the lifeboat.
"The RNLI is often called upon to rescue animals and
we are always happy to assist not only to bring them
to safety but also to ensure the safety of pet
owners or farmers who may risk their own life in
attempting to bring their animal safely back to
shore." |
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