Dog Plunges 14ft into Thames – Dramatic Rescue Near Tilbury Fort
Friday night drama on the Thames as a dog falls 14ft into the river near Tilbury Fort. At 6:42pm on May 31, London Coastguard scrambled Gravesend RNLI after spotting the pooch in serious trouble on the north shore.
RNLI Races Across Thames to Save Pup
RNLI Thames Commander Andy Colley revealed their hectic day: “We’d already been out early at 8:21am to Erith and had spent the day on exercises. Just as we prepped for shift handover, the call from London Coastguard came through.”
The Gravesend RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat sped across the Thames, reaching Tilbury in just 60 seconds. They immediately spotted the distressed dog’s owner frantic and leaning over the Thames Path wall.
Last-Minute Grab Before Tide Rises
With only 10 minutes before a rising tide, the volunteer crew spotted the dog clawing desperately at the riverbank. After tense moments, lifeboat crew hauled the soggy canine safely aboard.
Tilbury Port Line Hander Chris Turner said, “I’d just finished with a vessel departure when I saw the lifeboat flashing its blue lights. Next thing, it was mooring up at the terminal — and with a dog on board, no less!”
Reunion Brings Joy After Perilous Plunge
RNLI volunteer Aaron Reynolds added, “It’s always amazing to see a dog reunited with its owner — especially after a 14ft fall into the Thames!”
The heroic volunteers wrapped up and returned to station by 7:08pm, ready to hand over to the night crew at 7:30pm.
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