Exmouth firefighters help save cows from river

A specialist rescue team from Exmouth Fire Station was deployed on Sunday evening (2 October) to help save cows from a river in Somerset.

They were called to the scene at Wedmore after a fire crew from Glastonbury arrived and requested help.

One cow rescued itself, while fire crews got a total of five out of the water.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "A fire crew from Glastonbury along with a specialist officer were sent to Totney Drove at Wedmore this evening after a farmer called stating they had five or six cows in the water and were unable to get them out. 

"Shortly after arriving on scene the crews requested the help of the specialist rescue team which came from Exmouth.

"Initially one cow self-rescued back to the field and a plan was formulated for further rescues. 

"Three further cows were rescued from the river using strops, lines and mechanical assistance. Two more cows were then located. 

"A swimmer from the fire service crew entered the water to encourage the cow to move towards the rest of the crew. 

"The two cows were rescued from the river again using strops, lines and mechanical assistance.

"No further cows could be located but advice has been given to the two local farmers."