Edited by Bev Mortimer: A dog called Bean that broke free from his leash and plunged into the sea, became caught up in rip currents and was swept about 200 meters offshore of Pollock beach in Gqeberha/PE yesterday afternoon.
The owners of this male Australian shepherd dog said Bean broke free yesterday just before 3pm afternoon walk and they tried to retrieve him but he got swept further offshore.
Simon Williams, NSRI Gqeberha deputy station commander, relates that during their Saturday training, the local NSRI crew was activated by reports to the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of a dog in distress in the sea. The NSRI craft Rescue 6 Alpha was launched and Coastal Water Rescue (CWR) rescue swimmers responded.
Local lifeguards h also launched from Pollock Beach to assist, and apparently a Good Samaritan also launched on a Malibu rescue board to assist.
Half a km offshore, an NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed into the water and he secured Bean and placed him on the NSRI rescue craft. In the care of the NSRI rescue swimmer Bean, displaying hypothermic systems, was secured into blankets and he also received body warmth from the NSRI rescue swimmer. He was brought safely to the NSRI Gqeberha station 6 rescue base where ongoing warming procedures continued.
The dog collar showed a contact number that was called and the highly relieved owners were contacted. The owners had an emotional reunion with Bean at the NSRI rescue base.
Once safely home Bean took a warm shower and he is recovering in the care of his owners.
The NSRI commends the swift response that contributed to Bean’s life being saved.
St Francis Chronicle 