The bird, named Reg, was found 70 miles out at sea by soldiers taking part in the Round Britain and Ireland Race in August.
After falling into the sea three times, she landed on the deck, where the crew wrapped her in a towel and cared for her overnight.
Reg trying to make a landing during the rescue. (Image: British Army Offshore Racing Team)
The crew had contacted the Devon-based Barn Owl Trust, which alerted a seal rescue team and then Dan Goldsmith of Norfolk-based Marine and Wildlife Rescue to arrange the owl’s safe transfer.
Caister Independent Lifeboat crew met the sailors off the Norfolk coast after they had cared for the bird for 24 hours.
Mr Goldsmith said: “It’s very lucky the bird did not drown after falling into the sea, especially as it is not a migratory bird.
The British Army Offshore Racing Team with Reg. (Image: British Army Offshore Racing Team)
“As soon as we collected the barn owl from the lifeboat crew, it was very clear the bird was weak and appeared undernourished.”
Marine and Wildlife Rescue transported the owl 60 miles from Caister to the RSPCA’s East Winch Wildlife Centre, where she received further care.
After six weeks of rehabilitation, Reg has been getting stronger day by day before being fit enough to be released back into the wild.
Reg was in the care of the East Winch Wildlife Centre. (Image: Supplied)
She was officially released on Monday and Mr Goldsmith from the rescue charity described it as a “great day”.
“It was a great pleasure to share the release of Reg with some supporters who attended,” he added,
“Although little Reg didn’t leave her soft release enclosure live for the news bulletin, we are pleased that she did fly eventually from there and is now free.
“Thanks again to the Barn Owl Trust, British Army Offshore Racing Team, Caister Independent Lifeboat and RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre.”