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Sailors Save Exhausted Owl During Grueling Race
20 Aug
Summary
- An exhausted barn owl was rescued by British Army sailors during a demanding race.
- The bird repeatedly fell into the sea before collapsing on the boat's deck.
- Wildlife agencies coordinated with the crew to safely collect the owl.
During the 50th Anniversary RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race, a British Army sailing crew found an unexpected passenger: an exhausted barn owl. The bird's arrival 70 nautical miles offshore initiated a rescue operation coordinated with wildlife agencies.
Skipper Will Naylor reported the 'extra crew member,' humorously noting the owl's determination to join the team. The owl's boarding was precarious; it fell into the sea multiple times before finally collapsing on the deck, where it was secured by sailors.
Named 'Little Reg' and later renamed 'Little Regina,' the barn owl was transferred to a wildlife center by Caister Independent Lifeboat, Marine and Wildlife Rescue, and the Barn Owl Trust. The Army Sailing Association crew resumed their 1,805-nautical-mile race.
The race, which began on August 9th from Cowes, included 33 boats and 182 crew members from 22 nations. Johnny Vincent's Volvo 70 Pace secured the overall IRC victory.
