A valuable Friesian cow was airlifted to safety by a Royal Navy helicopter after falling 75ft over a cliff at Binnel Bay on 20th November 1984.
Farmer Hugh Noyes and coastguards had spent 5 hours attempting to rescue the 900lb Fresian – named Undercliff Jasmine – with ropes, but eventually gave up for fear of injuring her unborn calf.
After Jasmine spent an uncomfortable night on the rocks, a rescue team from HMS Daedulus took over. 2 men were lowered onto the Undercliff beach, then coaxed the heifer into a net.
20 minutes later after her first flight, Jasmine was reunited with her herd of 150 at Band End Farm. The 2-year-old Friesian was unharmed by her ordeal.
Farmer Hugh Noyes praised the Royal Navy crew for doing a ‘marvellous job’.
Helicopter pilot Lieutenant-Commander Adrian Thomas said:
“It was quite an unusual rescue.”
Seems like only yesterday, how time flies.
Excellent job was carried out.