A busy rescue day for Fleetwood RNLI including a dog swept out to sea

Just after 1pm, the Coastguard at Holyhead requested the launch of Fleetwood lifeboats, to a kayaker in difficulties. While en route to the kayak, the volunteers were informed that the casualty was safe and had reached the beach.

Before the lifeboats had a chance to return to the lifeboat station, Holyhead Coastguard requested Fleetwood RNLI to assist an inflatable rib, which was in difficulties, at Rossall Point. The two casualties were taken on-board the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat and the inflatable was towed back to port.

While on the way back to port, the third call from Holyhead Coastguard requested the lifeboats search for a dog that had been swept out by the tide. Both lifeboats searched the sea near Marine beach and had given up hope of finding her, when the exhausted dog was spotted out near Wyre Light. It was quickly taken on board the all-weather lifeboat and returned to its grateful owner.

Tony Cowell, coxswain for Fleetwood RNLI said: "It’s been a busy day. Having collected two casualties out at Rossall, we then had to find the proverbial needle in a haystack.

"We were beginning to fear the worse for the poor dog, but luckily, trainee coxswain and mechanic, Daryl, spotted it in the channel. It was exhausted, but quickly responded to a dry towel and a bit of fuss.

"Big tides, inflatables and swimming dogs aren’t a good mix. But it was a good learning curve for some of our volunteer trainees, who were aboard the Shannonn today. We’re just relieved it all ended well.’