A dramatic late-night rescue operation unfolded at Ryde Pier when a missing dog was found stranded beneath the structure in treacherous conditions – cold, wet and with the tide coming in fast.
At around 22:30 last night (Tuesday), Wightlink staff were alerted to the presence of a dog sheltering under the gangway at the wet end of the pier, as the Fastcat ferry departed.
The male Border Collie, who had run away earlier in the evening, was alone in the darkness, surrounded by the rising tide and exposed to the elements.
Concerned for the animal’s safety, Wightlink reported the sighting to HM Coastguard, who quickly initiated a search and rescue operation. Both Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams were tasked to the scene.
Coastguard Rescue Officers were able to quickly establish visual contact with the Collie and began offering verbal reassurance, doing their best to keep the frightened and shivering animal calm as he stood on a narrow ledge under the pier.
Bembridge RNLI was soon requested on scene, leading to the launch of the inshore lifeboat (ILB) with 4 crew on board. The lifeboat made best speed to Ryde Pier, where the crew faced the difficult task of navigating beneath the structure in darkness, avoiding the hidden supports below.
Thanks to the skill and experience of the crew, the lifeboat was expertly guided into position. A crew member was then able to reach the dog and safely bring him aboard.
The Collie was swiftly landed on a works pontoon before the next Fastcat arrival, ending the operation successfully.
Cold and wet but otherwise unharmed, the dog was then reunited with his grateful owner.
Well done to everyone.
Thank goodness the collie was noticed and rescued.
Oh poor boy, I hope he’s warm and dry now.
Well done to all involved.
Well done to those who realised the dog was under the pier and those who rescued him. Thank goodness he is back with his owner now . Great outcome everyone
The poor dog must have been freezing cold and at risk of hypothermia. you can see how grateful he was to see the ILB with crew arrive to rescue him, and great to know he is safely back with his owner and thanks to all involved in the rescue.
Well done rescuers!!!
Well done to the rescuers, but if the numpty owner
kept the poor dog on a lead the rescue wouldn’t
have needed to take place.
Lesson for dog owners, keep your dogs on a lead,
the beach is not a park.
It is this time to of year dogs can run off lead without it being an offence if your going to comment make sure it’s factual not just a throw away remark at a dog owner already distraught you old dinosaur.
oh for god’s sake, wind your neck in!!!
we all know you hate dogs & dog owners, & car drivers, & motor cyclists & anyone that does anything that doesn’t comply with your nanny-state, cotton wool wrapped view of the world,.. but you really are geting pathetic now, and very tiresome
Well done lads if the collie could talk I’m sure he or she would say thanks for the rescue and would have given you all a kiss