Bart/Royal Jersey Golf ClubA herd of cows has been rescued from the sea in Jersey after they were cut off by the tide, firefighters have said.
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the sea at Grouville Bay at about 06:40 GMT.
It said there were 14 cows in the water – including some located 300m (984ft) offshore – but one did not survive.
One witness described the rescue operation, which also involved crews from the RNLI, as a “miracle”.
Royal Jersey Golf ClubThe fire service said on X: “The cows appear to have walked along the beach and, when their safe exit was cut off by the high tide, they swam out to sea.
“Some of the animals had been blown by the wind and were approximately 300m offshore.
“Sadly, one did not survive. Its body was returned to the beach.”
Firefighters said they worked with the RNLI to rescue the animals by fastening ropes around their necks and then towing them into shore at Le Hurel.
“The farmer and Grouville Centenier were on scene,” the service said.
Bart/Royal Jersey Golf ClubFormer deputy Jackie Hilton-Egre, who saw the operation unfold, told BBC Radio Jersey: “They had probably been in the water quite a long time so it’s a miracle that the RNLI managed to get four out of the water alive.
“To see the cows out at sea was really quite upsetting. We overlook the beach and we saw four cows being rescued by the brilliant RNLI.
“The RNLI brought in two to start with, brought them on to the beach and they have been there ever since.”
‘Absolutely terrifying’
The former deputy and her husband, Ted Egre, brought duvets and anything they could find from their house, including their dressing gowns, to keep the animals warm.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of something going wrong because it had frozen to death,” she said.
“It’s been really quite stressful.
“I just pray they all survive and I can’t imagine what it was like for them being swept out to sea, it must have been absolutely terrifying.”
