This is the moment RNLI volunteers rescue a meowing cat from a river wall near a pub in Great Yarmouth before wrapping the soggy moggy in a warm blanket.

The pet cat, named Icicle, was rescued in the River Bure in Great Yarmouth in the English county of Norfolk on 22nd February.

The trapped feline was rescued by a Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer crew.

In a statement on 23rd February, the RNLI said: “The charity’s inshore lifeboat John Rowntree was tasked by Humber Coastguard to assist in the recovery of a cat which had been found on a ledge on the river wall near the White Swan pub.

“The crew made best speed to the location, however, just prior to the lifeboat’s arrival the cat fell into the river and was immediately spotted by the crew onboard the lifeboat as it came round the corner.

“The crew made haste to the struggling cat and gently pulled him out of the water onto the Iifeboat where a warm blanket was waiting for them.

“The crew checked the cat and he was alert but very cold. One member of the crew kept it cuddled up in the blanket as the Iifeboat then made its way to the Great Yarmouth Yacht Station where the crew met Gorleston Coastguard.”

The RNLI added: “The Gorleston Coastguard and crew decided to make their way further up the River Bure to a nearby RSPCA shelter where the Coastguard met the crew with a cat basket from the RSPCA.

“The cat was then taken by Gorleston Coastguard to the RSPCA shelter where the cat could be properly looked after and checked over.”

RNLI Helmsman Dave Kilpatrick stated: ‘Once in the lifeboat the cat was wrapped in a blanket and kept calm. He seemed pleased to see us.

“Once on dry land he was given some salmon from the fish shop, which he enjoyed.

“The station has since learned that the cat is called Icicle and he was collected by his loving owners very soon after he had been taken to the vets.”

Kilpatrick added: “He is back home safe and sound.”

RNLI advised pet owners: “Don’t go after your pet if they go into the water or get stuck in mud. Move to a place they can get to safely and call them – they’ll probably get out by themselves.

“If you’re worried about your pet, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t put yourself at risk by going into the water after them.”