RNLI: ‘‘Heroic’ coastguards in Scotland rescue canine from ‘crashing’ waves after it slipped and fell into the ocean | EUROtoday

A lifeboat crew and coastguard personnel have been offered with a Hero to Animals award from Peta after rescuing a canine from the ocean.

North Berwick RNLI and coastguard groups saved the Weimaraner, referred to as Sparkle, after she slipped 4 metres off a harbour wall at Seacliff seaside in East Lothian in February.

Sparkle plunged into the chilly water, prompting her 73-year-old proprietor, David Hall, to enter the ocean to assist.

Mr Hall instructed the RNLI that the waves on the harbour entrance had been “crashing” because the swell rose and fell.

He stated: “I know all the rules about not going after an animal, but those rules don’t count… So [I] took my glasses off, my jacket off, [and] I went down the ladder.”

Mr Hall was within the water as much as his waist holding onto the ladder and onto Sparkle’s collar till assist arrived.

During the incident, a second member of the general public went into the water to assist.

When rescuers arrived, they offered care and help to the individuals who had been within the water and Sparkle was recovered from the ocean.

In recognition of their bravery, crew members from the North Berwick RNLI and coastguard got the Hero to Animals award.

Peta’s senior vice chairman Mimi Bekhechi stated: “Thanks to these rescuers’ heroic actions, what could have been a tragedy for Sparkle and her guardians had a happy ending.

“We hope their compassionate deed will inspire others to help animals in need.”

Jamie Humpage, station officer at North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, stated the workforce was “honoured”.

“We had over 100 callouts last year, but it’s rescues like this that stick in the mind,” Mr Humpage stated.

Matthew Gibbons, volunteer helm at North Berwick Lifeboat Station, stated it was “heartwarming” to see Sparkle and her proprietor reunited.

“We are glad that the incident ended in a positive outcome,” he stated.