World · India Bureau
Exhausted barn owl rescued 70 nautical miles off British coast
A British Army sailing crew came to the aid of an exhausted barn owl that had struggled through the sea during an international yacht race. The bird, which fell into the water multiple times before reaching the vessel, was later transferred to shore for rehabilitation.
LSN India ·
During the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race, sailors aboard a British Army vessel encountered an unexpected passenger when an exhausted barn owl repeatedly attempted to board their boat far out at sea.
The bird had fallen into the ocean three times before successfully reaching the deck of the sailing craft, approximately 70 nautical miles from the nearest shore. Crew members discovered the owl in a state of extreme fatigue and immediately provided shelter and care on deck.
Named Little Regina by the sailors who found her, the owl was monitored closely until a lifeboat could be dispatched to assist. The rescue vessel transferred the bird safely to land, where it was transported to a specialist wildlife centre for proper medical assessment and treatment.
The incident highlights the challenges migratory birds face during long-distance travels over open water, particularly when adverse weather conditions or disorientation occur far from coastal refuge. The swift actions of the sailing crew likely proved crucial to the bird's survival during its ordeal at sea.