Lifeboat callout after people try to save dog stranded at sea

A lifeboat crew launched a rescue mission after two people were spotted in the sea attempting to save a stranded dog.

The runaway spaniel was trapped on rocks on the north side of the harbour breakwater at Footdee in Aberdeen.

A member of the public spotted the pair in the water before calling the RNLI to help.

After safely assisting the people in the sea, the crew quickly established that the dog had come ashore on the north side but had then run across to Pocra Quay on the south side where it had stranded itself on a ledge exposed by the low tide.

They ‘shepherded’ the dog to the former lifeboat slipway from where the dog ran off through local streets.

Lifeboat helm Grant Bruce said: “This pooch showed something that lifeboat crews know well – that most dogs are good swimmers.

“When people enter the water to try to save a dog, it’s often the person who ends up in the greater danger. That’s when human tragedies occur.

“The RNLI always urges people not to enter the water to try to save pets; go to the nearest spot where the dog can easily get out, then call to your dog from there.

“But if your dog is in real danger – perhaps being swept out to sea by the current, dial 999 for the Coastguard. Do not go into the water yourself.”