Press release

Rottweiler dog, ‘Buddy’ rescued from mud at Langstone Harbour

Hayling Island and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Portsmouth Coastguard Sector Manager rescue a dog stuck in the mud.

Buddy and the coastguards.

A rottweiler dog has been rescued from mud at Langstone Harbour by the Hayling Island and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Portsmouth Coastguard Sector Manager this afternoon (11 January 2014). The 8 year-old dog, Buddy, had become stuck up to his chest in mud whilst enjoying an afternoon stroll with his owner.

Concerned passersby called 999 and spoke to Solent Coastguard after observing the dog’s predicament. Solent Coastguard called out the Coastguard Rescue Teams and sector manager and also requested a dog handler from Hampshire Police to attend.

Steve Duff, Portsmouth Coastguard Sector Manager says:

The owner was obviously very upset to see her dog’s predicament and we were concerned because the tide was starting to flood the creek. The teams had to work very quickly to get the dog out and put him in a stretcher. We managed to get Buddy extracted in the nick of time, just as the water was starting to lap at our boots. The stretcher, with Buddy and one of the team on board, was then winched to shore. Buddy was washed down, wrapped in blankets and reunited with his relieved owner who was able to take him home, cold and tired, but hopefully unharmed.

If you’re out walking with your dog near cliffs or areas that you suspect might be dangerous, it’s advisable to keep your dog on a lead. However, if your pet takes an unexpected deviation and gets into difficulty at the coast, please do not attempt to rescue it yourself but call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. We have specialised equipment to ensure that your dog can be rescued safely without endangering you.

A photo of Buddy and his rescuers can be downloaded from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) website.

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Published 11 January 2014