Terrier Max Rescued After Muddy Island Ordeal in Portsmouth Harbour
Max, a small brindle terrier, was dramatically rescued after getting stranded on an island in the middle of Portsmouth Harbour. The pooch’s daring escape sparked a multi-agency rescue mission on Saturday, July 28.
Dog Swims to Pewitt Island
Max was out for a stroll near Portchester Castle with his owner when he bolted onto the harbour mud. The little dog then swam to Pewitt Island, leaving his owner stranded on the mainland. The owner tried to call Max back but feared getting stuck in the treacherous mud themselves, so they rang the Coastguard for help.
Coastguard and Lifeboat Spring into Action
Hill Head and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams joined forces with the 1 & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) to launch a daring rescue at around 11am. GAFIRS Lifeboat coxswain Peter Byford said:
“We transferred four Coastguard officers from the shore with the help of a Queen’s Harbour Master patrol vessel. Using a line from the lifeboat, we veered the patrol boat to the shore of Pewitt Island where officers scooped up Max and brought him aboard our vessel.”
Expert Rescue Avoids Owner Danger
Peter praised the owner for calling the Coastguard, warning of the hazard:
“The mud in Portsmouth Harbour is deep and sticky, making rescue attempts dangerous. Calling us is always better than risking getting stuck yourself.”
The rescue, lasting nearly two hours, was the 59th operation of the year for GAFIRS, an independent lifeboat service based at Stokes Bay, Gosport, working alongside the Coastguard 24/7.
Happy Ever After for Max
Despite being cold and distressed, Max was reunited safely with his owner. A heartwarming end to a risky adventure in Portsmouth Harbour!
