Newquay's RNLI lifeboat volunteers responded to their emergency pagers for the first time in 2022 at 1.09pm on Saturday (15 January) following 999 calls reporting concern for something seen in the water at Seal Cove, Polly Joke.
As the RNLI crew were launching the charity's D class inshore lifeboat from the harbour minutes later, a further update was received, confirming that a sheep was struggling in the sea.
Quickly arriving at Polly Joke in calm conditions, the lifeboat crew confirmed that unfortunately, the sheep had passed away. Watched from the cliffs by numerous onlookers, and supported by Newquay Coastguard, one of the lifeboat crew went into the water and recovered the pregnant ewe to the shore, where she was handed over to the farmer waiting on the beach.
The lifeboat crew returned to Newquay Harbour, where the lifeboat was washed, refuelled and rehoused by 2.30pm.
RNLI volunteer Deputy Launching Authority, Phil Morris said: 'The RNLI responds to calls to animals in distress at the coast primarily to avoid situations where members of the public may otherwise try to assist and get into difficulties themselves.
We're sorry it wasn't a better outcome today, but the onlookers did the right thing by staying out of the water and calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Please keep dogs on leads on cliffs and near livestock, for the safety of both your pet and farmers' stock'.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Andy Hobkinson, Newquay RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] mob: 07880 507464 or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer at [email protected] mob: 07786 668847 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 (24 hours).
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 146,000 lives.
