Collapsed owl saved by soldiers 70 miles out at sea

A group of British Army soldiers saved a barn owl that had been struggling 70 miles out at sea after it fell into the water multiple times during a race around Britain and Ireland. The bird, named Little Reg, was rescued by the crew and taken off the boat before being transported to land by the Caister Independent Lifeboat. Mark Petherbridge, a member of the Army Offshore Racing Team, noted that the owl was doing well and praised the team's efforts.

Conservation officer James Stannard from the Barn Owl Trust emphasized the rarity of the situation and the team's exceptional response. Dan Goldsmith of the Marine and Wildlife Rescue team stated that the owl would need urgent veterinary care upon arrival at a wildlife center. The incident highlighted the unusual proximity of the bird to the coastal town of Newcastle and praised the soldiers for their compassion and quick action.