A deer trapped in the sea drowned during a bungled rescue attempt when passengers on a boat tried to lasso it to safety.
The three-year-old roe buck swam four miles from the Isle of Wight to Southsea, Hampshire, before it was spotted in the water at 10.45am yesterday.
The RNLI were then called and launched an operation to try and rescue the animal some 650 yards offshore near Southsea Castle.
But when the lifeboat crew returned to shore to pick up an animal rescue specialist, members of the public in a passing boat mounted their own rescue attempt.
The RNLI were called and launched an operation to try and rescue the animal (pictured) some 200m offshore near Southsea Castle, before passengers on a boat tried to help
The buck was pulled aboard an RNLI Rib, but efforts to resuscitate it using chest compressions and ‘mouth-to-nose’ resuscitation failed
They tried to lasso the deer with rope, but the terrified deer became distressed and went back into the water and drowned.
Moments later the buck was pulled aboard an RNLI Rib, efforts to resuscitate it using chest compressions and ‘mouth-to-nose’ resuscitation failed.
Anton Phillips, the Hampshire Fire and Rescue animal rescue specialist, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘I had my grasping equipment ready, equipment we use for dogs and deer in that environment and the RNLI came and picked me up.
‘Unfortunately, then some members of the public in another boat tried to lasso it.
‘That was a great shame because if they’d left it alone it would probably have been fine. The key with animal entrapment is to back off and be quiet.’
The three-year-old roe buck swam four miles from the Isle of Wight to Southsea, Hampshire before it was spotted in the water at 10.45am yesterday
The passengers tried to lasso the deer with rope, but the terrified deer became distressed and went back into the water and drowned
He said he tried to give it CPR after the deer was pulled aboard, doing ‘mouth to nose’, and pumping water out of it, but his efforts were in vain.
Mr Phillips said he suspected the deer had come from woods on the Isle of Wight, which was four miles away across The Solent.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service warned the public to call 999 if they see an animal in difficulty.
A spokesman said: ‘A passing boat tried to aid the rescue and lassoed the deer, unfortunately drowning the three-year-old roe buck.
‘We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public that if they find an animal in danger, difficulty or distress please call 999, state your location and wait for the appropriate emergency service to help.’