RNLI: ‘‘Heroic’ coastguards in Scotland rescue dog from ‘crashing’ waves after it slipped and fell into the sea

The lifeboat crew and coastguard staff who rescued a dog from the sea were given the Animal Hero award by Peta.

North Berwick RNLI and coastguard crews rescued Weimaraner named Sparkle after she slid four meters down the harbor wall at Seacliff beach in East Lothian in February.

Sparkle plunged into the cold water, prompting her 73-year-old owner, David Hall, to dive into the sea to help.

Mr Hall told the RNLI the waves at the harbor entrance were “crashing” as the tide rose and fell.

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

Mr. Hall was waist-deep in water, holding on to the ladder and Sparkle’s collar until help arrived.

During the incident, a second member of the public also entered the water to help.

When rescue crews arrived, they provided care and assistance to people in the water and Sparkle was pulled from the sea.

In recognition of their bravery, North Berwick RNLI and coastguard crews were presented with the Animal Hero award.

“Thanks to the heroic actions of these rescuers, what could have been a tragedy for Sparkle and her protectors had a happy ending,” said Mimi Bekhechi, senior vice president of Peta.

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

North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team station officer Jamie Humpage said the team was “honoured”.

“We had over 100 calls last year, but it’s rescues like this that stick out,” Mr Humpage said.

North Berwick Lifeboat Station volunteer chief Matthew Gibbons said it was “heartwarming” to see Sparkle and her owner reunited.

“We are happy that the incident ended with a positive result,” he said.