Llama Skippy Plucked from Underground Reservoir in Daring Water Rescue
Firefighters from Bognor Regis and the Technical Rescue Unit sprang into action just after 5pm on Tuesday to save a llama named Skippy trapped in nearly two metres of water.
Skippy’s Great Escape Goes Wrong
The drama began when Skippy broke free from his enclosure. He fell through the roof of an underground reservoir off Adsdean Park Road near Funtington.
His frantic owner dialled 999 immediately, triggering a major rescue operation.
Rescue Team Battles Dark, Watery Tomb
Alongside Bognor firefighters, a crew from Hampshire & Isle of Wight 1 & Rescue Service in Havant and a local vet rushed to the scene.
They used a short extension ladder to reach the break in the reservoir’s roof where Skippy was trapped. Carefully, they removed roofing around the hole to free up space for the rescue.
Watch Manager Mick Lewin: “This was quite a challenging rescue. Skippy was distressed and stuck in a dark, enclosed space underwater. Our priority was to calm him and keep everyone safe. Once stable, we lifted him to dry land for a full vet check.”
Happy Ending for Skippy
Lewin praised Skippy’s owner for calling in the professionals rather than attempting a risky rescue themselves. The llama has since made a full recovery.
“We hope Skippy will think twice before any more late-night adventures,” said Lewin.
