Buddy the escaped reindeer triggers large-scale search at the seaside

A reindeer named Buddy triggered an extensive search effort after escaping from a festive event. Authorities, including armed police, the Coastguard, and Royal Marines, were mobilized to track the animal after it fled from a celebration in Formby, Merseyside, while originally coming from north Wales.

The antlered fugitive was eventually located several hours later, asleep in sand dunes on a nearby beach on Saturday, before being safely returned to its owners. Southport Lifeboat described the incident as "bizarre," adding, "Its quite fitting for the season, isnt it?"

Merseyside Police reported that they first received notices of Buddys disappearance around 13:45 GMT on Saturday. Concerned that the reindeer could wander into a nearby river, the police enlisted assistance from the Coastguard. Buddy was eventually spotted on Formby Beach using thermal binoculars, while a local lifeboat team on a quad bike guided him toward the dunes.

Under the watch of a police drone, an exhausted Buddy eventually lay down to rest, and a veterinarian administered sedatives in the early hours of Sunday. Royal Marines, who were nearby on a training exercise, assisted the vet. The reindeer was then loaded into a trailer and returned to its stable.

Southport Lifeboat praised the coordinated response, saying, "Christmas is saved thanks to the excellent efforts of multiple agencies." Buddys owners shared on the local Facebook group Formby Bubble: "Were happy to report that Buddy is now safe, warm, and comfortably settled back home in north Wales. After his unexpected seaside adventure, he is enjoying a well-deserved rest in his cozy stable and will be taking it easy for the rest of the year."

Author: Sophia Brooks