A major rescue operation was carried out on Eastbourne seafront yesterday (August 1) after a deer was discovered on the beach between the Western Lawns and Hollywell.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS), the Coastguard, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, the RNLI, local lifeguards and Eastbourne Borough Council were in attendance to ensure the adult Roe Deer was safely captured and moved away from the seafront fro release.
Trevor Weeks MBE, Operations Director for East Sussex WRAS said first attempts to corner the deer failed due to the vast open space and the deer's ability to move faster than humans on shingle.
“We knew capture was going to be difficult on the beach but we had to try," he said.
"Having seen the deer struggle to get out of the water and then lay down exhausted we were surprised at just how lively it was when we made our first approach.
"It shot off at high speed along the beach in the direction of Eastbourne Pier jumping over groynes and on several occasions swimming out to sea and being chased by dogs.
"The RNLI were able to encourage the deer ashore near the Lifeboat Museum where it went to ground hiding in some bushes," explained Trevor.
Rescuers with nets were able to surround the deer and, although it slipped underneath, it lost its footing and was soon restrained by the team on the promenade.
The deer was loaded onto a stretcher and into the back of WRAS's veterinary ambulance and driven up near Beachy Head for release.
“Its not that uncommon for deer to come down into the residential areas of Eastbourne. We have even had them in Terminus Road by the shops. It's not that difficult for them to come off the downs near Paradise Drive and gain access to the town,” said Trevor.
Deer are good swimmers: “We would normally leave well alone when a deer is out at sea off the shore and let it come back to shore once people move away.
"The big problem here was the volume of people on the seafront and the deer being unable to get off the beach safely without the risk of further harm from dogs and traffic,” said Keith Ring, a WRAS Senior Rescuer who also attended the rescue.
East Sussex WRAS would like to thank all the agencies involved for their support and willingness to help.
“A big thank you to the Coastguard, RNLI, the lifeguards, the fire service and Eastbourne Borough Council for all their help - and what a great outcome to a situation which could have ended much worse,” said Trevor.
More 'Live' Bus Information Screens To Be Installed In West Sussex
Rare Bee Found In Lewes
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre