Dramatic Rescue After Reindeer Escapes and Runs Through Formby – Full Story from Last Night’s Call-Out

Formby experienced an unexpected bit of Christmas drama last night when a reindeer escaped from a local festive event and was seen running through the streets before disappearing onto Formby Beach.

According to a detailed report from Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Southport Quads), the call-out came at 16:43 on 29/11/25, after the reindeer had been missing for several hours. With darkness falling and concerns rising, emergency teams were brought together to prevent the animal from wandering into danger.

Merseyside Police had been tracking the reindeer across the dunes, but eventually lost sight of it as night set in. Fearing that it could reach the shoreline and potentially the River Mersey, additional resources were requested.

Southport Quads were deployed alongside HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby to carry out a coordinated search along the beach.

Using thermal binoculars, the Southport Quads team managed to locate the reindeer on the sand. Efforts to capture it proved difficult, but the team succeeded in gently shepherding the animal into the dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone kept watch overhead.

Once the reindeer settled, a vet supported by the Royal Marines stepped in to safely and securely recover the animal.

Thanks to the combined efforts of all agencies involved, the reindeer was brought to safety — and a potentially serious incident was avoided.

A huge well done to Southport Offshore Rescue Trust, Merseyside Police, HM Coastguard teams and everyone involved in the rescue.

Christmas, quite literally, has been saved!

The reindeers route after escaping