While painting Comrade's starboard side from the pontoon on Saturday 21 May a fledgling Robin got into difficulties and ended up in the canal. I let go the pontoon ropes and pushed off across the beck to attempt a rescue. Soon I was in reach of the stricken bird and managed to scoop it up out of the water. Once in my hand the Robin made its way up my sleeve and onto my shoulder where it patiently waited while I navigated the pontoon back to the ship. Once along side it hopped aboard, dried out its wings for a few moments and flew off. Job done.

Photos by Lesley Everatt