A Saturday morning training exercise for Cowes RNLI lifeboat suddenly took on an animal rescue role today when the crew were amazed to see a young deer swimming in the Solent.
The deer, of the Muntjac variety found in the New Forest, had apparently been carried some 3 miles across the Solent by the tide, to end up off Princes Green, Cowes.
Lifeboat Helm, Myles Hussey, said:
“To say we were surprised was an under-statement!
“Even the Coastguard had to be told three times before they believed us!”
“It was quite exhausted and cold when we got it over the stern of the boat. A member of our crew, Felicity Elliott, a doctor at Newport’s St Mary’s Hospital, then quickly wrapped it in a blanket.”
The young deer was taken back to the lifeboat station and put in the shower room, where it was given a drink and again wrapped in a blanket, to await being picked up by the RSPCA.
Miles added:
“I always wanted to rescue a dog, but instead it was a deer and because of the tide at the time we named the youngster Ebbing.”
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Well done to those involved. Bless it’s little heart. It would have known it was being helped and must have been terrified . Great result
A happy, safe end to a terrifying ordeal for this young deer. Hope it is taken back to the mainland where it came from once it is rested. Well done to the RNLI. MAGIC.
Oh bless that cute little deer
now that is good and interesting news with a happy ending.
Sad ending,
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/rspca-must-now-put-down-3599949
A nice, heart warming story for a change! Lovely
He wanted to get the ferry but it was cancelled.
Had to swim across, as ferries are too “Deer” ?!
Well done to everyone for saving such a precious life. Thankyou.
Aww ❤️❤️ Well done RNLI
Sad to say the RSPCA will have to put it down as muntjac are alien species,
Aw 🙁 How sad after such a good rescue and a seemingly “happy ending” story.