Reindeer bolts from Christmas event sparking rescue mission involving marines

A huge search operation involving Royal Marines was launched after a reindeer bolted from a Christmas event in Merseyside.

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said crews were tasked with locating an escaped reindeer on Formby beach which had been missing for several hours from a local Christmas event.

The reindeer had fled a festive celebration in the town on Saturday afternoon, with a huge search operation launched including Merseyside Police, HM Coastguard and the Royal Marines.

There were fears the reindeer could end up in the River Mersey after police, who had been tracking it, lost sight of it.

Thermal binoculars were used by rescue teams to locate the reindeer on the beach despite a “difficult” capture.

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said on Facebook: “Southport Quads were tasked with assisting in the search for an escaped reindeer on Formby Beach, missing for several hours from a local Christmas event in Formby.

“As darkness fell, Merseyside Police, who had been tracking the animal, lost sight of it.

“Fearing that it could end up in the River Mersey, our quad team and Coastguard teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby were called out to help.

“Using thermal binoculars, our quad team located the reindeer on the beach.

“Although capture proved difficult, the team successfully shepherded the animal into the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone maintained watch.

“The reindeer eventually settled, allowing a vet, supported by Royal Marines, to safely secure it.

“Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.”

Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Our colleagues at HM Coastguard Southport and Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Southport Lifeboat) quads were tasked to assist Merseyside Police.

“Teams were tasked to a reindeer on the loose after escaping from a nearby Christmas event.

“Eventually, the reindeer was secured with the help of a vet, and the team was stood down.

“Thankfully, Christmas is saved thanks to all agencies involved.”