A sheep was rescued by Lough Swilly RNLI after it fell approximately 200 feet from a cliff on the northern coast of Co Donegal.

The alarm was raised at 4.30pm on Sunday when three local fishermen spotted the animal stranded on a ledge in a ravine at Leenan Head with no means of escape.

The fishermen contacted Malin Head Coast Guard and Lough Swilly’s lifeboat was requested to launch. Luckily, weather conditions were good and the sea was calm and flat.

When they arrived at the scene, the fishermen pointed out to the volunteer lifeboat crew where the distressed sheep was located. A kayaker arrived, and paddled in close to the cliff in an attempt to encourage the animal back up the hill.

With this failing to work, the lifeboat crew and the kayaker entered the water and made their way towards the sheep. They safely caught her and gently placed her in the kayak before transferring her into the lifeboat.

Once onboard the lifeboat, the sheep was comforted by the crew and safely brought back to more familiar surroundings on shore.

Speaking following the call out, Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said:

We think the young sheep had fallen about 200 feet and [had] 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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