Walkers wanted to risk everything to save lamb after 100ft cliff plunge on North Wales coast
Worried animal lovers were willing to risk life and limb when a lamb plunged 100ft (30 metres) down a coastal cliff. The animal was left stranded on a ledge 33ft above the sea at low tide - and only 5ft above the high water mark.
The drama unfolded at Llanbadrig on the north coast of Anglesey, close to the tiny uninhabited island of Ynys Badrig (Middle Mouse), the northernmost point of Wales.
The lamb had fallen from Llanlleiana Head, a crag-bound hill renowned for its hillfort, tower and the ruins of a porcelain works below.
On learning that people were planning to rescue the lamb themselves, Coastguards and RNLI volunteers decided to step in. 'The recovery was approved as members of the public were willing to put themselves in danger to rescue the lamb themselves,' said a spokesperson for RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat.
'By launching our lifeboat and rescuing the lamb, we stopped a potential human injury.'
As well as Moelfre lifeboat, Wednesday evening's call-out (June 18) involved Coastguard rescue teams from Cemaes Bay and Moelfre. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Once the lamb had been located, at the foot of cliffs, the all-weather lifeboat was guided to the scene where it launched an inflatable rescue boat (Y boat).
(Image: RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat)
Asked to clamber ashore was a crew member with previous experience working with sheep. Managing to reach the lamb, he saw it was 'clearly tired and lethargic'.
Moelfre Coastguard said: 'With a little gentle persuasion, the lamb was safely coaxed off the ledge, brought onboard the Y boat, and transported to Cemaes Bay.'
After a few phone calls, the lamb's owner was located and arrangements were made for its safe return home.
Being uninjured, the farmer reunited the lamb with the rest of the flock. RNLI Moelfre said it was a 'successful and heartwarming outcome'.
(Image: Moelfre Coastguard)
Moelfre Coastguard added: 'Aside from a few bumps and scrapes, the lamb appeared well – if understandably a bit shaken by its coastal adventure!'
A RNLI Moelfre crew member said the call-out highlighted the importance of the public's role in reporting such incidents. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
They added: 'As tempting as it is to try to rescue an animal in difficulty, people should think about the potential injury they may cause themselves.
"This member of the public made the right decision by contacting the coastguard and allowing them to task the assets best suited to assisting the animal.'
Also involved in a lamb rescue this week was Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team. Volunteer Jess carried it down an Eryri mountain in a sack to ensure its safety.
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