Proving they’re heroes to all, the Lough Swilly RNLI rescued a shaky sheep that had plummeted around 200 feet from a cliff today.
Three local fishermen spotted the animal who looked to be in a baaaa-d way, after getting stranded on a ledge in a ravine at Leenan Head in Co Donegal.
They called Malin Head Coast Guard at around 4.30pm and Lough Swilly’s inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat was sent to the scene.
Luckily weather conditions were good and the sea was calm and flat to help the RNLI heroes on their daring mission.
The fishermen pointed the RNLI to where the terrified sheep was stranded.
A kayaker also arrived and paddled near to the cliff in a bid to get the animal to move back up the hill.
When this didn’t work, the lifeboat crew and kayaker managed to catch the sheep and gently put her in the kayaker, before gently transferring her to the lifeboat.
The animal was still no doubt feeling sheepish after its ordeal but thankfully caring lifeboat crew comforted it as they made their way back towards the shore.
Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said the rescue is all in a day’s work for the big-hearted crew.
He said: “We think the young sheep had fallen about 200 feet and with nowhere to go she was shaking from her ordeal by the time we took her onboard the lifeboat.
“The RNLI is often called upon to rescue animals and we are always happy to assist not only to bring them to safety but also to ensure the safety of pet owners or farmers who may risk their own life in attempting to bring their animal safely back to shore.
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