GQEBERHA – The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is used to answering calls to rescue people in distress, but on Saturday its rescuers had a furry patient to bring safely back to shore.
Bean, a male Australian shepherd, was swept out to sea at Pollock Beach in Gqeberha after reportedly breaking free from his leash during an afternoon walk.
The canine was caught in rip currents and swept at least 200 metres offshore, prompting a rescue response that ended with Bean safely reunited with his owners.
Simon Williams, NSRI Gqeberha deputy station commander, said the duty crew was at the station conducting routine training when they were activated at 14:52 on Saturday, 15 August.
The NSRI Emergency Operations Centre had received reports of a dog in distress offshore of Pollock Beach.
A four-legged rescue
Rescue 6 Alpha was launched while Coastal Water Rescue (CWR) rescue swimmers responded.
Local lifeguards had already launched from Pollock Beach to assist. The NSRI also believes a bystander went to help on a Malibu rescue board.
When the NSRI rescue craft reached the scene, about half a kilometre offshore, a rescue swimmer was deployed into the water.
The swimmer managed to secure Bean and bring him aboard the rescue craft.
Bean appeared to be hypothermic, and the rescue swimmer wrapped him in blankets and provided body warmth as he was brought safely back to the NSRI Gqeberha Station 6 rescue base.
Warming procedures continued once Bean arrived at the station.
Bean safely reunited
Bean’s collar had a contact number, allowing the NSRI to reach his owners.
They soon arrived at the rescue base, where they were reunited with Bean in an emotional reunion.
According to the NSRI, his owners and bystanders tried to retrieve him after he entered the ocean, but he was caught in rip currents and swept further out to sea.
Once safely home, Bean had a warm shower and continued recovering in the care of his owners.
The NSRI commended the swift response from those who went to Bean’s aid, saying it contributed to saving his life.
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