Flock of sheep rescued from a flooded field in Chester

A flock of 24 sheep became stranded in a flooded field in Chester and needed the help of firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who ferried them to safety on inflatable sledges.

The sheep were found stuck in icy water on 6 January, after they had gone to the highest part of their field as flood water rose.

Three teams of firefighters from Chester, Ellesmere Port, and Powey Lane were called just before 1.45pm and found two people with the flock so a tactical rescue operation was set up.

This involved specialist rescue equipment, plus lots of herding and handling of the wet and cold sheep who were floated to safety in pairs on the inflatable rafts, assisted by firefighters who waded alongside.

Animal Rescue Supervisor and Lymm Crew Manager Ryan Cook attended the rescue.

He said:

“It was an extremely cold and wet operation for us to get all 24 sheep onto the inflatable rescue rafts and across the flooded fields. We could see the sheep stood in water and despite their thick fleeces, they were really cold when we reached them. Thankfully, they didn’t put up too much resistance to being hoisted onto our rafts and across specially made walkways to safety.”

Unfortunately, half a dozen sheep had already lost their lives in the water on the arrival of firefighters. The crews were thankful they could help the remaining animals and that no one was harmed trying to rescue them.

Ryan added:

“I would urge anyone finding animals in water to never attempt to rescue them themselves and to call us out. We have the equipment and have been given the training to deal with situations like this. Flood water can be extremely dangerous and fast-flowing and there could be obstacles you can’t see under the surface. Cold water shock can also affect your breathing and movement so please stay well away from any water.”

For more information about water safety, please visit the website:

http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk