Earlier this month, emergency responders received reports of a dog in distress in the waters of Pollock Beach in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Initial observations noted that the dog had been swept over 650 feet offshore and was struggling to stay afloat.
A duty crew from the National Sea Rescue Institute was nearby on routine training and responded to calls from NSRI’s Emergency Operations Center, launching a rescue craft and rescue swimmers at once.
Lifeguards also joined the rescue, with a bystander who had paddled out on a rescue board also in tow.
“When the NSRI rescue craft arrived on the scene, half a kilometer offshore, an NSRI rescue swimmer entered the water and secured the dog, bringing him safely aboard,” a news statement from NSRI explained.
Bean with NSRI rescue swimmer Mike Vermeulen. Courtesy of National Sea Rescue Institute
“Wrapped in blankets and warmed by the rescue swimmer’s body heat, the dog, appearing hypothermic, was brought safely to the NSRI Gqeberha rescue station, where warming procedures continued.”
Thanks to the swift action of everyone involved, the dog was saved and returned to his family. His name is Bean, and he’s an Australian Shepherd. A contact number on his collar led rescuers to his owners, who arrived at the rescue station “for an emotional reunion.”
Bean with NSRI rescue swimmer Mike Vermeulen onboard the Sea Rescue vessel. Courtesy of National Sea Rescue Institute
“Bean … is believed to have broken free of his leash during an afternoon walk and plunged into the ocean,” the NSRI statement recapped.
“As his owners and bystanders tried to retrieve him, he was caught in a rip current and swept out to sea.”
Bean reunited with his owners Jackie and Caitlin Keuler at the NSRI Station 6 Gqeberha rescue base. Courtesy of National Sea Rescue Institute
Bean’s big side quest reminds dog owners everywhere just how important it is to ensure pups have collars and tags with up-to-date contact information.
“Bean is now safely home,” NSRI concluded, “where he enjoyed a warm shower and is recovering in the care of his owners.”
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Featured Image: Courtesy of National Sea Rescue Institute
