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Multi-agency rescue operation involving police, coastguard teams, and Royal Marines on beach
A Christmas event’s runaway reindeer sparked an extraordinary multi-agency rescue mission last night, after the creature disappeared for several hours and evaded capture attempts.
The police officers who were tracking the reindeer lost sight of it in the darkness on Formby Beach as night fell on Saturday (November 29). Concerns grew that the animal might end up in the River Mersey, leading authorities to call in additional support, including Southport Coastguard quad teams and Coastguard crews from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby.
The Southport quad team eventually spotted the reindeer on the shoreline using thermal binoculars, but capturing it safely proved challenging.
Emergency teams worked carefully to guide the reindeer away from the water and towards the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, while a police drone kept watch from above, reports the Manchester Evening News.
After the reindeer finally came to rest, a vet, supported by Royal Marines, was able to approach and secure the animal safely.
Southport Offshore Rescue Trust posted on Facebook: “Southport Quads were tasked with assisting in the search for an escaped reindeer on Formby Beach, missing for several hours from a local Christmas event in Formby. As darkness fell, Merseyside Police who had been tracking the animal lost sight of it.
“Fearing that it could end up in the River Mersey, our quad team and Coastguard teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby were called out to help. Using thermal binoculars, our quad team located the reindeer on the beach.
“Although capture proved difficult, the team successfully shepherded the animal into the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone maintained watch. The reindeer eventually settled, allowing a vet, supported by Royal Marines, to safely secure it.
“Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.”
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