An army crew participating in a race around Britain and Ireland rescued a barn owl that had collapsed on their deck approximately 70 miles offshore. The crew, members of a parachute regiment, named the bird "Little Reg."
Soldiers observed the owl flying alongside their boat, appearing exhausted. It fell into the water several times before eventually collapsing on deck, prompting the crew to bring it aboard and place it in a box. The crew noted the owl displayed a strong will to survive.
After handing over their unexpected passenger, the crew continued their participation in the Royal Ocean Racing Club's race. A conservation officer for the Barn Owl Trust was contacted about the bird and coordinated efforts to ensure its safe return to shore. He described the situation as highly unusual, stating that barn owls are not typically found that far out at sea.
Wildlife rescuers believe the owl may have been roosting on a fishing vessel before being carried out to sea. The officer called the owl's discovery aboard the army vessel "nothing short of a miracle." The bird was unable to access adequate food, as only ration packs were available on the boat, and its survival was considered uncertain without prompt intervention.