Fethard RNLI go to the aid of a lone sheep who slides down a cliff face
Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard today (Tuesday 7 May), to go to an area approximately one nautical mile north of Duncannon, to assess the welfare of a sheep who had fallen from a ledge and was being surrounded by a rising tide.
The weather was fine at the time with a light southerly breeze in Waterford Estuary. The lifeboat helmed by Mick Roche and with crew members Natasha Blanchfield, Eoin Bird and Diarmuid Bird onboard, launched at Duncannon and proceeded to the area, known locally as Lady’s Bay, where they observed the animal in difficulty.
Crew member Diarmuid Bird entered the water, collected the sheep, and brought it to the nearby pebble beach to safety.
Speaking after the launch, Fethard RNLI Helm Mick Roche said: 'This evening’s launch highlights the importance of taking care and be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all kinds of locations, not just high cliff edges. We would remind animal owners to never get themselves in danger trying to rescue a family pet or animal from the water. If you are worried about animal's safety, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
Ends
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.