Two stubborn sheep found themselves in need of a daring rescue after being trapped in quicksand that had hardened to a “concrete”-like state for hours.
The Bay Search and Rescue team, operating out of Flookburgh, Cumbria, initially responded to a report of a single sheep stuck in the sand.
However, upon arrival, they discovered that a second sheep was also frantically stranded, according to VKNews24.
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Attempts to reach the local farmers responsible for the sheep were unsuccessful, leading the team to deploy their rescue vehicle, “The Sherp,” for assistance.
What appeared to be a solo rescue mission quickly turned into a double operation.
On social media, the team explained: “Mobile one and Mobile two were en route from Milnthorpe and Flookburgh. All BSAR first-response vehicles carry specialized quicksand rescue gear for situations like these, as there turned out to be two animals trapped, several hundred meters apart, rather than just one.”
The crews from Grange and Flookburgh concentrated on the first sheep that had been reported stuck. Meanwhile, the Sherp crew stumbled upon the second trapped animal, which they found behind the viaduct at Arnside, and immediately set to work.
The team later described the challenging nature of the rescue, noting that the sheep had been trapped for hours, with the sand set around them “like concrete.”
They elaborated: “Here’s what makes these rescues tricky: while the animals’ legs are tightly encased in concrete-like sand, the surrounding area is too soft for us to safely walk on. BSAR has inflatable air pathways that allow us to distribute our weight while we pump water around the animals’ legs to release the grip of the sand.”
Thanks to the team’s quick response and effective methods, both sheep were freed from the sand just in time.
The team recounted, “Just as the siren signaled the incoming tide, the animals were released from the sands and carried to safety, where Steve the farmer, alerted to the incident, took them into his care. A great result and excellent teamwork. These animals looked utterly helpless when we arrived, but they quickly regained the strength to walk once freed.”
Social media users celebrated the successful rescue, flooding the comments with praise.
Gill remarked, “I’ve been there when the siren sounds. The sea moves faster than a person can run. Fantastic work! I’ll keep supporting this worthy charity. Lucky sheep in the end.”
Annie shared her admiration, writing, “Well done to all of you. I really admire your selflessness and determination.”
Joyce chimed in, “An incredible rescue—thank you to everyone involved!”
And Linzi added, “Aw, amazing job—those poor things.”
Michelle concluded, “Good outcome for the sheep and great practice for the team. Well done!”
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SOURCE: Rescue team save two runaway sheep from quicksand that had ‘set around them like concrete’
