Volunteers from Margate RNLI lifeboat station have helped rescue a dog from the sea near Botany Bay.
UK Coastguard received a report at around 4pm today (Wednesday 1 May) of two members of the public entering the water to attempt the rescue of the dog that was swimming out to sea at Neptune’s Tower between Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay.
The German Shepherd called Bear went missing from a house in Margate last night (April 30) with owners mounting a search and appealing on facebook to find him. He was last spotted heading to the seafront.
Margate RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Margate and Deal were tasked to assist and once on scene coastguard officers established the persons, who had no connection with Bear, were no longer in the sea and he had made off along the beach towards Broadstairs.
Social media activity identified Bear’s owner and a member of the lifeboat crew who knew Bear made up part of the boat’s team. With concern the dog may re-enter the sea prompting a further rescue attempt the lifeboat continued to try and recover him.
Coastguard officers along with the lifeboat monitored Bear’s progress and the lifeboat crew were able to capture him near Stone Bay. Bear’s owners met the lifeboat and took him back into their care.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “While it was established the dog had emerged from the water safely it was important to try and regain control of it and prevent any further problems.
“We strongly urge people not to enter the water to attempt rescue when a dog decides to go for an extended swim, the animal will usually return safely on its own. On these occasions dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Four-year-old Bear was not too harmed in his adventure.
Jessica Conroy, whose family own Bear, said: “He let himself out. He’s lost claws and has bleeding feet from scrambling to stay out the water we imagine. There were no sightings from 10.30pm last night until around 4pm today when we were alerted that he’d made it round to Broadstairs.”
Jessica thanked the RNLI’s ‘amazing team’ and all those who shared her facebook appeal.
She said: “We would like to make sure that the RNLI and coastguard know how grateful we are and also we are so grateful to Laura Sullivan from the Missing Dogs and Strays in Thanet Facebook page. She’s been so helpful getting posters and things organised for us.
“It would also be amazing to find out who the people were that entered the water themselves to try and rescue him. They didn’t even know him.”
Bear has now been bathed and is being pampered at home!
