Discovery of Stowaway Baby Rabbits on North Sea Rig
Three stowaway baby rabbits were rescued after being found on a drilling rig located in the North Sea. These unexpected passengers were transported from Aberdeen to the Valaris Norway rig, which is situated approximately 93 miles (150 km) off the coast of Lincolnshire.
It is believed that the rabbits initially entered a container in Dundee. This container was then transported by road to Aberdeen before being loaded onto the offshore vessel Aquarius, which sailed to Ithaca Energy's Cygnus field.
Rescue and Care of the Rabbits
Two of the baby rabbits were first brought ashore, with a third later discovered hiding on the rig. All three were handed over to New Arc, an animal charity based near Ellon in Aberdeenshire.
New Arc praised the offshore teams for their attentive care of the rabbits earlier this month. The charity reported that the rabbits were in good health and humorously noted they were "eating us out of house and home."
"It's likely the bunnies found a nice warm place to hide in an offshore container.
"The container was transported onto the Valaris Norway where the bunnies took freedom and were found running around the deck.
"The crew immediately activated rescue mode and safely caught the two bunnies, setting them up with a warm bed and some fresh veggies and water."
The Valaris crew kept the initial two rabbits safe in the radio room before transferring them back to the Aquarius vessel for the return journey to Aberdeen.
Journey Back and Discovery of Third Rabbit
Michal Laursen, master of the Aquarius, told BBC Scotland News that the rabbits were transferred in a box back onto the vessel by crane. He stated,
"My crew kept them in a dry and heated room and made sure they had food and water."
The journey back to Aberdeen lasted 22 hours, after which the rabbits were handed over to New Arc for continued care.
After this, the Aquarius returned to the Valaris Norway rig. During this time, the deck crew spotted and captured the third rabbit, which had been hiding in a forklift.
"The bunny got another all-inclusive cruise trip to Aberdeen," Laursen added.
Statements from Ithaca Energy and Fletcher Group
An Ithaca Energy spokesperson commented on the situation, saying,
"Little did anyone know a third bunny was still hiding.
"Luckily they all seem to be doing well, but that's down to the crews taking very good care of them."
Fletcher Group, the operator of the Aquarius vessel, also expressed appreciation for the crew's efforts, stating,
"Everyone did such a great job of looking after them and getting them off safely.
"We are pleased that they have been reunited and are doing well."
Additionally, a donation has been made by the rescuers to New Arc in support of their work.
