Two swans have been killed by a Northern Ireland Railways train leaving their five two-week old cygnets orphaned.
Debbie Nelson, said she was alerted to the incident on the Carrickfergus to Larne line on Saturday evening through a “very distressing call”.
Ms Nelson, who operates Doolittles Wildlife Rescue, says the Mute swans were crossing the track to their pond at Magheramorne when the train “drove over” them.
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But she says this is not the first time swans have been killed on the line, as last year a local witnessed a male swan being hit by the train.
Ms Nelson said: “The line is straight for some distance and it was daylight so why they couldn’t have slowed down a bit, sounded the horns etc to give them a chance to get out of the way... it’s terrible.
“The length of that pond line needs a simple 2ft low fence to prevent them walking out of the pond and onto the line.
“What is more distressing is that five little two-week old cygnets have been left orphaned - one of which was also injured in the collision and has suffered an injury to its bill.”
Debbie says she raced over in her kayak with some nets and after “two hours paddling up and down the pond” managed to rescue them one at a time.
“The last was caught close to 11pm with the help of a local man who was in the shallower end in chest waders and the locals directing us from the road as we were losing light fast,” she added.
“Thank you to everyone who came. out to help and be our eyes when the wee ones were hiding in the vegetation.
“All five were secured and safe.
“The one with the damaged beak has had a dental glued splint placed on the lower mandible to help pull the broken parts back in line.
“It’s so young that it won’t stand any operation and as it’s so small and growing hopeful that it will fuse and heal up enough to allow it to eat comfortably.
“Glad to say they all, including the injured one, has survived the night. All are eating and drinking and walking about their indoor pen.
“The one with the damaged bill is the most concerning at present and is by no means out of the woods yet.”
Ms Nelson, who rescues wildlife across Northern Ireland on a totally voluntary basis, says she is now getting a roun 140 calls, messages and emails a day.
You can follow their work on Facebook at Doolittles Wildlife Rescue.
A Translink spokesperson said: "The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority. We regret this incident, but unfortunately, when a train driver sees something on the track, it is not possible to stop a train quickly. For example, trains travelling at 70 mph need the length of approximately five football pitches in order to stop. This section of track has a line speed of 70mph."
We asked what policy they in place to protect wildlife, they added: "Translink is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and has in place a strategy which looks to enhance biodiversity across the public transport network."
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