Saving cats at sea: Six clawsome rescues

Rapid paws and rounds of applause 

RNLI crews willingly take on mighty waves and torrential storms – but it took a different type of bravery for Chiswick RNLI to face the scaling scurry of a black cat who had fallen from a 6m wall by the River Thames. Watch the volunteers in action and hear the well-deserved cheers from the crowd as they bring the frantic feline onboard.

Nine lucky lives 

In 1991, Sailor Bob Faversham was preparing for a round-the-world sailing trip with his kitten Little Scilla – but things didn’t exactly go to plan. In the space of a few months, Little Scilla fell overboard three times (thankfully, always within reach of being pulled aboard). 

When Bob fell ill at sea and the volunteers at Ramsgate RNLI launched to provide first aid, Little Scilla disappeared. Bob feared the worst. But 2 days later, the kitten was found exploring in the depths of the boat’s hull. 

Two weeks later, the Dungeness crew brought Bob to shore after he fell ill with stomach pain. His boat capsized in the local harbour with Little Scilla still onboard – but luck was always on the cat’s side. Little Scilla was found safe and given to a good home while Bob made a full recovery in hospital. 

Hey, cats can swim 

The lifeboat volunteers at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston couldn’t quite believe their eyes when they arrived on scene to rescue Icicle the cat from the River Bure last February. Icicle fell straight into the river and, to the crew’s amazement, began swimming towards the lifeboat. Watch how this brave soggy moggy was brought to safety. 

Last one standing

At the start of the 20th century, cats were often brought aboard ships to keep them free of mice and rats. It’s how a black cat aboard the First World War hospital ship Rohilla ended up being the last rescued – underneath the arm of the ship’s captain – in 1914 by Tynemouth RNLI volunteers. Read more about the Rohilla. 

‘Don’t be fooled by his grumpy look’

When Scarborough RNLI launched in the early hours of the morning to help a boat that was snared on lobster pot lines, one passenger was less than impressed with the interruption. 

Artie the cat, who knows the importance of wearing a lifejacket, ignored the volunteers as they climbed aboard to help free the boat from the lines, opting for the peace and quiet of his bed.

His owners later contacted the lifeboat crew: ‘Sorry to have got you out of bed, but we really appreciate your help and genuine attitude to helping those in need. We have made a donation to the RNLI – and don’t be fooled by Artie’s grumpy look. He loves being onboard!’ 

With courage, nothing is impossible 

In 1922, one of the most dramatic rescues in RNLI history took place to rescue 24 crew members – and a cat called Tishy – aboard the SS Hopelyn on its voyage from Newcastle to London. Over 36 hours, lifeboat volunteers from Great Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI, and the crew from Lowestoft, battled horrendous conditions to save every one onboard. 

Saved from the Waves

You can find more animal rescues in our book Saved from the Waves, a heart-warming collection of first-hand accounts from your RNLI volunteers about their missions to save beloved pets, wildlife and livestock.

Our cat-loving crews and lifeguards are always happy to rescue furry family members – not only to save animals from the risk of drowning, but to prevent people putting themselves in danger too. And kind support like yours makes sure they are always ready to rescue, whoever needs their help.