The Coast Guard requested the Dun Laoghaire Harbour lifeboat crew to assist in the rescue of the Labrador who had slipped into the sea while out on a walk with her owners.
The crew were alerted shortly before 9 pm after the dog had paddled from where she fell in over to a ledge at the Baths. The lifeboat helmed by Nathan Burke and with three other crew members onboard.
It was a dark night with moderate visibility, a low sea temperature and a light swell on route, however, at the scene, the waves meant the approach to the dog was not straightforward.
The labrador, pictured left, stuck on the ledge at Dun Laoghaire Baths Photo: Barry O'Neill
Helm Nathan Burke said: ‘Navigating the lifeboat so close to the rocks was challenging, and we were spotting rocks almost everywhere beneath the swell. I decided to manoeuvre onto a rock shelf once I knew the Labrador was not a danger to anyone, and I requested one of the crew to go on to the ledge to rescue her.’
Navigating Dun Laoghaire's inshore lifeboat so close to the rocks at Dun Laoghaire Baths was challenging Photo: Barry O'Neill
The dog was shaken and distressed by her ordeal but quickly comforted and didn’t require medical treatment when brought ashore and into the care of her owners.
‘We were delighted to see the dog safe and well and reunite her with her owners. 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,’ Nathan added.
One of the lifeboat crew went on to the ledge to rescue the dog qt Dun Laoghaire Baths Photo: Barry O'Neill
‘Ahead of the festive season, when we know people will want to get out and enjoy the outdoors, we would encourage those on or near the sea to attend to their safety by carefully planning their intended activity. Check weather and tide times before venturing out and always carry a means of calling for help should you need to use it. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
