Rescue mission launched after dog plunges from harbour wall into sea

A rescue mission was launched in North Berwick after a dog fell four metres into the sea while on a walk with its owner.

The three-year-old Weimaraner had been walking along Seacliff beach towards Seacliff harbour around 2pm on Saturday when she jumped up onto the harbour wall and slipped into the water below.

Her owner immediately climbed down a nearby ladder to reach her.

Due to the water being covered by sea foam and the swell surging in and out of the harbour, efforts proved difficult, and a passerby called 999 asking for the Coastguard while another entered the water to help.

North Berwick’s RNLI volunteers launched the inshore lifeboat into 2.5m breaking waves and a three-metre swell to reach the scene.

The dog thanked rescuers once back on dry land RNLI/North Berwick

A spokesperson said: “The lifeboat crew assessed the sea conditions at the entrance to the narrow harbour channel. With waves ramping up on the shallow reef to five meters and breaking on the rocks, an approach from the sea was ruled out.

“With confusion as to the number of casualties in the water, and the location of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), a decision was made to carry out a beach landing at Seacliff beach and make the way to the scene on foot.

“Once on the beach, it was confirmed that members of the CRT were on scene and had the casualties out of the water, and a member of the team had hands on the dog, though she was still in the water.

“Our volunteers provided casualty care to the two casualties who had been in the water and assisted the CRT in extracting the dog from the water using an animal rescue bag.”

All involved in the incident were unharmed and did not require further treatment.

Dog rescue in North Berwick RNLI/North Berwick

Helm, Matthew Gibbons said: “Thankfully, this rescue had a positive outcome, though the conditions certainly made it a challenge. We fully understand the emotions involving dogs, but if you see a dog in difficulty at the coast, we urge you to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.

“Move to a place the dog can get to safely and call them – they might be able to get out themselves. Don’t try and enter the water to help, all too often that leads to tragedy, await for the arrival of the emergency services.

“We’d like to thank the members of the public who assisted the dog and owner and stayed with them until all had been recovered.”