A heartwarming rescue mission took place off the coast of Cornwall, where a herd of 40 calves worth around £10,000 found themselves stranded on a rocky outcrop after escaping their field through an open gate. Robin Kendall, the farmer, and his partner Polly Dugmore, a vet, sprang into action to save the terrified animals from drowning in the sea.

The dramatic rescue unfolded in the dead of night, with Ms. Dugmore swimming for a marathon 90 minutes to reach the calves and bring them to safety. The police had alerted Mr. Kendall when multiple pairs of eyes were spotted off Colona Beach, indicating the presence of the calves in distress.

With the coastguard providing torchlight to guide them, the team successfully towed the calves back to shore, preventing a tragic outcome. Ms. Dugmore described the harrowing experience of swimming in the dark waters with the calves, their eyes glinting in the darkness as they struggled to stay afloat on the shrinking rock.

Despite the challenges, Ms. Dugmore managed to swim six out of the 10 calves to safety, while four panicked and attempted to swim out to sea. Through sheer determination and adrenaline, she was able to bring them back to shore, ensuring all the calves were rescued.

Mr. Kendall, who also played a crucial role in the rescue operation, emphasized that any farmer would have done the same to help their animals in distress. With the aid of a boat and the support of the coastguard and RNLI, the farmers raced against the rising tide to bring the calves back to dry land.

The spokesperson for the coastguard commended the farmers for their swift action and dedication, highlighting the successful outcome of the rescue mission without any injuries. The team worked tirelessly until the early hours of the morning, ensuring that all the calves were safely reunited with their herd.

This heart-stopping rescue serves as a reminder of the unwavering bond between farmers and their animals, showcasing the lengths they will go to protect and care for their livestock. The heroic efforts of Mr. Kendall, Ms. Dugmore, and the rescue team exemplify the spirit of compassion and determination in the face of adversity.