Marine Rescue NSW volunteers save dog stranded on Snapper Island near Batemans Bay after public distress calls
A quick response from eagle-eyed locals and dedicated volunteers saved a dog from disaster on the NSW coast.
The drama began when a dog in distress was spotted offshore in Batemans Bay, prompting numerous distress calls from worried onlookers.
Local rescue teams immediately took action and launched multiple ships.
NSW Marine Rescue Inspector Glenn Sullivan said a volunteer crew was assembled and the Batemans Bay 20 rescue vessel, along with one of its jet skis, was tasked with investigating.
“On arrival the crew found the dog on Snapper Island,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“One of our volunteers went ashore on the island and after coaxing the dog for almost an hour, he safely rescued it. With the help of the rescue vessel operator, the dog was taken to the rescue vessel and put on board.”
The dog was safely returned to the mainland; here radio operators coordinated with Eurobodalla Shire Council Rangers to greet them on arrival.
Inspector Sullivan said there were a number of factors working in the lucky pup’s favor and warned that the outcome could have been very different had conditions been less favourable.
“The dog was lucky to reach Snapper Island and equally lucky that sea conditions were extremely calm at the time of the incident,” he said.
“This rescue highlights the attention of the public who quickly raised the alarm and the determination of our volunteers who are always ready to respond when assistance is needed on and around the water.”
Following the rescue, the dog was handed over to the care of the Eurobodalla Shire Council ranger.
“We hope rangers will be able to reunite the dog with its owner as soon as possible,” Inspector Sullivan said.
