Donate now

RNLI Moelfre Volunteers Rescue Stranded Lamb at Bottom of Cliff.

Lifeboats News Release

At 5:50 pm on Wednesday, 18th June, RNLI Moelfre volunteers were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to report on a lamb stuck on a cliff, having fallen approximately thirty metres.

RNLI/Moelfre

Download image
The recovery was approved as members of the public, who play a crucial role in our operations, were willing to put themselves in danger to rescue the lamb themselves. By launching our lifeboat and rescuing the lamb, we stopped a potential human injury, highlighting the importance of the public's role in reporting such incidents.

The lamb was located on the coast inside Middle Mouse (Llanlliana Head), approximately ten metres above the water on a ledge. The Cemaes mobile coastguard team were on scene to guide the crew to the location.
Once on scene, the decision was made to launch the Y-boat and put a crewmember ashore who had previous experience working with sheep and lambs.

The RNLI crew member made a risk assessment and successfully reached the lamb, which was clearly tired and lethargic. The lamb was secured and taken to the Y-boat. Both boats then went to Cemaes, where the coastguard team met them. The uninjured lamb was handed over to the Coastguard team, who had located the farmer, who then reunited the lamb with the rest of the flock, ensuring a successful and heartwarming outcome.

Our regular training night on Wednesday evening provided an unexpected but invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning. This shout enhanced our skills in working near sheer cliffs and demonstrated the excellent teamwork between the mobile coastguard team and the lifeboat crew. It was a perfect example of multi-agency communications in action, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement and readiness.

RNLI Moelfre Crewmember, BL said
“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.”

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910,

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Phil Williams
Lifeboat Press Officer, Moelfre Lifeboat Station

Categories