Baby Rabbits Rescued After Stowing Away on North Sea Drilling Rig
Three baby rabbits have been safely rescued after an extraordinary journey that saw them transported to a drilling rig in the North Sea. The intrepid animals were discovered on the Valaris Norway rig, located at Ithaca Energy's Cygnus gas platform, approximately 93 miles off the Lincolnshire coast.
The unusual adventure began when the rabbits are believed to have taken up residence in an offshore container in Dundee. They had found a "nice warm place to hide" before the container was shipped to Aberdeen and loaded onto a vessel bound for the Cygnus field.
Dramatic Rescue Operation Activated by Crew
Once on the rig, two of the rabbits escaped and were spotted running along the pipe deck. The crew immediately sprang into action, activating rescue procedures to safely capture the animals. They provided the rabbits with a warm bed, fresh vegetables, and water, keeping them secure in the radio room until they could be transported back to shore.
The rescued pair were taken to New Arc Wildlife Rescue near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, where they received professional care. However, the story wasn't over yet.
Third Stowaway Discovered During Return Journey
When the vessel FS Aquarius returned to the Cygnus field, a third rabbit was discovered hiding in a forklift pocket. This final stowaway was also rescued and well cared for by the crew during the journey back to Aberdeen. The wildlife centre reported that the third bunny has now been safely reunited with its siblings at their facility.
New Arc Wildlife Rescue expressed profound gratitude to all involved in the rescue operation. In a social media statement, they said: "A huge thank-you to the crews on board Cygnus, Valaris Norway and the FS Aquarius – who all put maximum effort and care into ensuring these rabbits got back safely to dry land."
The rescue centre confirmed that all three rabbits are now thriving at their facility, though they humorously noted the animals are "eating us out of house and home." The successful rescue operation highlights both the unexpected challenges of offshore work and the compassion of those working in remote industrial environments.
