THE RNLI HAS been called out to help a distressed cow in the water at Bundoran, Co Donegal. 

A passerby spotted the animal in the water at Tullan Strand and immediately alerted the Irish Coast Guard at Malin Head who then paged the volunteer Bundoran RNLI lifeboat crew. 

The four crew launched the inshore lifeboat just after 4.30pm and made their way in rough seas to Tullan Strand to assess the situation. 

A number of other volunteer crew attended via the shore to offer visual backup to the lifeboat crew. 

As the swell was between three and four metres, conditions were difficult for the lifeboat to get closer to the shore with visibility of the cow also tricky for the shore crew. 

The animal was soon spotted, however, by which time the the Sligo based Rescue 118 helicopter was on scene.

Using the noise and downdraft of the helicopter, its crew were able to encourage the cow back to safety on the shore. 

Both the lifeboat and helicopter stayed on scene to ensure the safety of the cow which was tended to on shore before both units were stood down. 

Speaking on return to the lifeboat station, Bundoran RNLI Helm Michael Patton said: “We were delighted to see a successful outcome from today’s call out and would like to thank those who assisted in the rescue of the cow. 

“If you are ever worried that your pet or animal is in danger, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, rather than putting yourself at risk by going into the water after them.”