Pregnant sheep dies after falling into the sea in Newquay
A lifeboat rushed to the rescue but sadly the animal could not be saved
A pregnant sheep has died after falling into the sea on the coast near Newquay.
The town's lifeboat crew got the shout to Seal Cove at Polly Joke on Saturday afternoon (15th January).
There was concern for something seen in the water and on arrival the RNLI confirmed a sheep was struggling in the sea.
Watched from the cliffs by numerous onlookers, and supported by Newquay Coastguard, one of the lifeboat crew went into the water and recovered the pregnant ewe.
Sadly the animal had died and was returned to the shore where she was handed over to the farmer waiting on the beach.
The lifeboat crew returned to Newquay Harbour, where the lifeboat was washed, refuelled and rehoused by 2.30pm.
RNLI volunteer Deputy Launching Authority, Phil Morris said: "The RNLI responds to calls to animals in distress at the coast primarily to avoid situations where members of the public may otherwise try to assist and get into difficulties themselves.
"We're sorry it wasn't a better outcome today, but the onlookers did the right thing by staying out of the water and calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.
"Please keep dogs on leads on cliffs and near livestock, for the safety of both your pet and farmers' stock."