19 Apr 2008 - Shanwell Rescue Boat Launched to Injured Duck
We received a call for assistance from Scottish SPCA Inspector, Robert Baldie, who had been called to Broughty Ferry beach, Dundee to recover a mallard duck which had a wing injury.
Despite his best efforts the duck had taken to the water and refused to be tempted ashore with some bread.
Our team responded and realised that we would have to launch our inflatable rescue boat.
Whilst volunteer Isla Gayton took up position on the harbour wall to act as spotter, volunteers Steven Bell and Gareth Norman made ready the boat, safety equipment and catching nets.
As our wee engine powered us out into the Tay estuary we quickly spotted the duck sheltering under the old pilot pier. As Gareth slowly manoeuvred the boat into position Steven stoodby with net at the ready.
As we were only 3ft away from the duck Steven made his move! and if it were not for the shaft of the net breaking in two places I am sure he would have had her!! (so much for the unbreakable carbonfibre shafts!!!).
The duck now wise to our water-borne attempts proceeded to elude us for another thirty minutes, so in order not to cause her any further stress, we decided to give her a break and we would try again from dry land.
After a further two and a half hours we managed to lure her ashore with grain and bread and recovered her to our vets for examination.