A reindeer broke free from a Christmas event, leading to an extensive search involving the coastguard, police, and Royal Marines. The incident occurred at a festive gathering in Formby, Merseyside, on Saturday. Merseyside Police had been monitoring the reindeer with its distinctive antlers until nightfall when they lost track of it. Concerns arose that the animal might stray toward the River Mersey, prompting a large-scale rescue effort.
The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust mobilized a quad team equipped with thermal binoculars to assist in locating the missing reindeer. The charity’s quads, alongside Coastguard teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby, were summoned to aid in the search operation.
After a thorough search, the reindeer was discovered on the beach and safely recovered. The charity shared on Facebook that despite challenges in capturing the animal, they successfully guided it to safety at Altcar Rifle Range with the assistance of a veterinarian and Royal Marines. The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies ensured a positive outcome, saving Christmas for all involved.
The reindeer, reportedly missing from Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Formby, was sighted and tracked by locals, with one witness recounting the moment when a National Trust ranger inquired about a genuine reindeer sighting. Praise and gratitude flooded the charity’s social media post, with locals expressing relief and joy over the successful rescue mission.
In response to the heartwarming events, community members commended the coordinated efforts that saved Christmas. The incident sparked humor and appreciation, with one person jokingly suggesting that Santa ought to keep his team in check during the holiday season.