Clifden RNLI rescues bull in distress after slip down steep cliff

At 5pm, Clifden RNLI’s Deputy Launching Authority Saul Joyce requested the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to launch to assist a local farmer whose bull had slipped down a steep cliff and become stuck on the shoreline below.

The area was inaccessible by road and difficult to access on foot. The farmer along with three members of the public and the local vet were on scene.

The lifeboat helmed by Alan Pryce and with crew members Thomas Davis, Daniel Whelan and Ian Shanahan onboard, launched immediately and attended the scene approximately half mile from the station.

The weather conditions at the time were favourable with a light westerly force 1-2 breeze. The sea was flat calm and it was high tide.

Crew member Thomas Davis was put ashore to assist the farmer and vet and a plan was put in place where a bridle or halter was attached to the animal and passed to the lifeboat.

Under the instruction of the vet and farmer, the lifeboat gently made way astern and used the tension on the line to guide the animal off the dangerous rocks into the water.

The lifeboat crew then guided the bull as it swam to a nearby beach where it made its way up the shore to safety.

The lifeboat stood by until all parties were safely away from the cliffs and water and then returned to base.

Speaking following the rescue, Clifden RNLI Helm Alan Pryce said: ‘We were happy to assist the local farmer and vet to help the bull out of the hazardous position it was in. We are very aware of the dangers posed by large animals that are distressed and were glad to be able to assist the farmer while also providing a safety presence to him and the individuals working with him to bring the bull to safety, on what was a dangerous and dark shore.’

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