A DEER that may have swum across the Solent to Southsea drowned during a rescue operation yesterday (Sunday) after a passing boat tried to lasso the animal.

Authorities have reminded the public to call 999 if they see an animal in distress, rather than try to rescue it themselves, after a well-meaning RIB driver attempted to aid the rescue with a lasso.

The Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth alerted UK Coastguard to the incident at 8.45am when CCTV picked up the deer in the water near Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea.

Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue team went to the scene where the roebuck deer had come on land, but the animal went back into the sea.

The deer started swimming back towards the IW.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue, who was called out alongside the coastguard and Portsmouth RNLI, said rescuers were in a "race against time" to save the young roe deer.

A crowd was forming on the shoreline as the operation took place and the coastguard rescue team moved people back.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: "One of our animal rescue advisers was picked up from the beach by the RNLI and taken to where the deer was 200m off the shore.

"A passing boat tried to aid the rescue and lassoed the deer, unfortunately drowning the 3 year old Roebuck.

"The RNLI and animal rescue adviser managed to get the deer aboard and gave CPR with no result.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to remind the public that if they find an animal in danger, difficulty or distress please call 999 state your location and wait for the appropriate emergency service to help."

A UK Coastguard spokeswoman said: "Deer are actually very good swimmers and it is not unusual to see deer in the water.

"They are spotted every now and then in Portsmouth Harbour."

The coastguard spokeswoman cast doubt on the claim by some that it may have come from the Isle of Wight and said it was more likely the deer came out of the harbour.