Sunderland Royal National Lifeboat Institution rescue George the dog

by RNLI Sunderland on 14 Apr 2010 RNLI crewmembers based at Sunderland Lifeboat Station were scrambled to Hendon promenade early today to assist a dog that had been swept into the cold North Sea whilst walking with its owner.

Shortly before 7am this morning (Thursday, 1st April) Humber Coastguard contacted the Lifeboat Operations Manager of Sunderland RNLI to request the immediate launch of their D Class Inshore Lifeboat Helen & Ian Tytler.

The request came after the dog’s owner had called 999 to report George, an 8-year-old black Labrador, had been washed off the promenade and was unable to get back ashore. The RNLI lifeboat launched seven minutes later under the command of Helmsman Anthony Jobling and made best speed to the scene along with shore-based teams from Sunderland Coastguard.

Jobling said: ‘We were requested to launch and made best speed to the Hendon area where our Coastguard colleagues had arrived and had George visual as he was treading water and attempting to swim back ashore.’

Once on scene the lifeboat quickly located George who was trying his best to get ashore but was getting pushed further out to sea and away from the promenade by the falling tide. The lifeboat manoeuvred through the swell and after some initial persuasion George was safely recovered from the water.

Once onboard the lifeboat, George was checked over and found to be cold and tired but not showing any ill effects from his ordeal. The lifeboat was unable to land at the Promenade due to breaking surf so George was wrapped up and taken to Sunderland Marina where George’s owner was awaiting his arrival after being transported by the Coastguard Team.

Jobling added: ‘Thankfully, George appeared to be a pretty good swimmer but was already tiring from attempting to swim against the tide to get ashore. The quick reaction of George’s owner in contacting the Coastguard in the first instance directly influenced a successful rescue for George.’

As a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income.