Canine rescue for Holyhead RNLI volunteers
A four-legged friend became the latest rescuee when Holyhead RNLI were called out yesterday evening (Wednesday 1 October).
Crew pagers sounded at 5.51pm, requesting the launch of D-class inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper. Luckily, the crew were already at the lifeboat station, about to begin a training session, and immediately changed and launched the lifeboat.
The volunteer crew of four headed immediately to the scene, just off Ynys Peibio, the area between Holyhead Port and Penrhos Beach.
The canine casualty, a lurcher named Missy, had been on a walk with her owner, when she spotted some birds and decided to chase them, despite the fact the sea was in her way! Despite being on her lead at the time, she pulled away and ran into the water before her owner could stop her.
After entering the water, and then realising she wasn’t going to catch the birds, Missy managed to get herself onto rocks, and despite her owner calling for her and wading out up to his knees, the by-now distressed dog became too scared to venture back into the water and head back.
Her owner realised he would get himself into danger if he ventured any further into the water, and returned to shore. Seeing the events unfold, a quick-thinking onlooker dialled 999 and contacted HM Coastguard to ask for help. As well as the lifeboat crew, Holyhead volunteer cliff rescue team were also tasked to the incident.
On reaching the scene, the lifeboat crew spotted Missy on the rocks, and headed immediately to help her. Although reluctant to come to the crew at first, she was finally lifted into the lifeboat. She was cold but otherwise unharmed. Crew placed a survival blanket around her, and tried to head to the shore. However sea conditions made this difficult , and it was decided to take her back to the lifeboat station to reunite her with her owner there instead.
The lifeboat, crew and their canine companion returned safely to the lifeboat station, arriving shortly after 6.30pm, where Missy was bemused but unphased by all the attention she received! She was extremely pleased to see her owner and to be back on dry land.
Missy, whom is only 15 months old, and her owner were invited into the lifeboat station to warm up, before heading back home.
Holyhead Senior Helm Dave Roberts said:
‘We were very glad to help Missy and return her safe and sound. It was the right thing to do to call 999 and ask for help, and we thank the member of the public for doing exactly that.’
He added:
‘Although it’s tempting to try and rescue an animal yourself, we always recommend calling for help rather than putting yourself at risk. In this case, the owner realised he needed to get back to shore and keep himself safe, and we were able to come to the dog’s aid.’
For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409. or email [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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