Drama at Sea as Man Risks Life to Save Dog Swept Out by Tide
HM Coastguard scrambled to the scene near the mouth of the River Arun this afternoon after frantic 999 calls just before 2.15pm. A dog had been carried out to sea by the tide, and a bystander plunged into the choppy waters in a brave but risky rescue attempt.
Emergency Teams Rush to the Rescue
The dog entered the water and was quickly swept away by the tide. Seeing this, a member of the public dived in, trying to swim after the struggling animal. Rescue services responded swiftly, dispatching the Littlehampton and Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat, and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Battered but Safe: Both Rescued
Thankfully, both the dog and the rescuer managed to make it back to shore. The rescuer was rushed to hospital as a precautionary measure, but no serious injuries have been reported.
Coastguard Issues Stark Warning
Connie Phelps from HM Coastguard warned: “If your dog does get into difficulty at the coast, please don’t be tempted to rescue them yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
“Around the UK’s coast, we see incidents where people risk their own lives to save their loved ones from the sea or cliffs, sometimes with tragic consequences. Please, don’t risk your own life—call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
