Thirteen cows have been rescued from the water in Grouville Bay.

At 6.40am, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service received a call that 14 cows were stuck in the sea, after being cut off by high tide.

When firefighters arrived, they found that some of the animals were 300m away from shore, after been blown by the wind. 

The St Catherine RNLI was then called to the scene to help. The lifeboat and Fire Service inshore rescue boats worked together to bring the cows onto the beach, by fastening ropes around their necks to tow them to safety. 

Jersey Fire and Rescue has thanked the Honorary Police and the RNLI for their assistance.

Honorary Police officers and the cattle farmer were at the Le Hurel beach looking on at the rescue mission. 

14 cows were brought to shore successfully. Sadly, one did not survive. 

RNLI Helmsman Edward McFadyen said most of the cows were grateful to have been brought back to shore: 

"The first couple that we dropped at shore, they were obviously a bit distressed, tired, cold. Once they got onto shore, they couldn't walk.

"Whereas the second to last one (that we rescued) she must have enjoyed it because as soon as we got to the shore, she was trying to put her feet down and as soon as she got her feet down she basically walked out of the water - she was happy!"

Craig Channing, Duty Station Manager at Jersey Fire and Rescue, said the mission was a real team effort:

"It's not just us that did the rescue its a really good, multi-agency rescue along with coastguards, Catherine's IRB and also our own vessels - but more importantly - members of the public.

"There's a lot of houses along that south east coast. A lot of people came out and offered blankets and duvets to keep the cows warm."

Eyewitness Georgie Dodd praised the rescuers on social media:

"I have lived at Seymour for many years and seen many rescues but NEVER have I seen what I saw today!

"I saw the lifeboat out there for quite a while and actually thought, oh god they’re looking for a body as they were hanging over the side. Then, as they got closer to shore, I realised they were holding a COW! That’s right a cow!!

"Well done to all involved in this incredible rescue, you guys are amazing and a credit to our island "