Barn Owl Rescued Off Norfolk Coast After Collapsing Onto Boat
BBC News reports on an extraordinary rescue involving a barn owl, named Little Reg by its Army rescuers. The owl struggled 70 miles from shore, attempting to land several times before collapsing onto a boat filled with members of the British Army participating in a race around Britain and Ireland.
Rachael McMenemy, Neve Gordon-Farleigh, and Robby West share the heartwarming tale:
A member of the Army Offshore Racing Team, Mark Petherbridge, noticed the exhausted bird flying alongside their boat. "He fell in the water a couple of times and eventually collapsed on deck," Petherbridge recalled. The crew took him in, providing safe haven until the Caister Independent Lifeboat could transport him to land.
The Army team praised Little Reg’s resilience, noting his "real will and tenacity to survive." Despite limited resources, they did their best to keep him warm and comfortable throughout the 24-hour ordeal.
After handing over their unexpected crew member, the team continued their race. Conservation officer James Stannard from the Barn Owl Trust coordinated efforts to ensure Little Reg’s safe return to shore. He expressed surprise at the swift collective action from various services, all united for the owl’s well-being.
Upon landing, Little Reg was assessed by Dan Goldsmith of Marine and Wildlife Rescue. Despite being dehydrated and thin, Goldsmith hopes for a full recovery. "It’s very unusual… barn owls shouldn’t be 70 miles off Newcastle," he noted.
Paul Garrod, chairman and crew member of the Caister lifeboat, described the callout as "a little bit different," but praised the British Soldier team for their exceptional care.
