Last Saturday, the Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescued a Cocker Spaniel named Charlie from a rocky ledge inside the west wall at Dun Laoghaire harbour. Charlie, a three-year-old chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel, had wandered down the dangerously slippy harbour wall steps and tumbled into the sea while out for a walk with his owner. The Harbour Police saw the event unfold and called the Irish Coast Guard for assistance.
The Coast Guard requested the volunteer lifeboat crew of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI to assist in the rescue operation. The crew, aboard Lifeboat ‘Joval’, helmed by Andrew Sykes with volunteer crew members Laura Jackson and James Traynor onboard, arrived on scene within six minutes of the call.
Although the weather was calm with excellent visibility, the low sea temperature presented difficulties for Charlie in the water. However, the team quickly rescued the dog from the water and brought him ashore. Charlie was shaken and distressed by his ordeal but was quickly comforted by Laura and didn’t require medical treatment when reunited with his owner.
Volunteer Helm Andrew Sykes said, "We were delighted to see the dog safe and well and reunite Charlie with his walker. We would remind anyone walking their dog near the water’s edge to keep them on a lead to ensure not only the safety of the animal but the owner as well."