Dog saved off Northumberland coast as Seahouses boat crew come to rescue

The incident occurred while Serenity 4 from Seahouses’ Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours was operating a scheduled landing trip to Inner Farne.

Skipper Jimmy Reid heard a HM Coastguard broadcast requesting assistance after a dog, trapped aboard an inflatable kayak, had drifted offshore in strong westerly winds.

After safely landing passengers on Inner Farne, Jimmy Reid and crewman Aaron Fordy joined the search effort.

Following a challenging search in difficult conditions, Aaron spotted the drifting kayak from the vessel's upper deck. As Serenity 4 approached, the crew initially feared the dog had disappeared before seeing its head emerge beside the kayak.

During the rescue attempt, the dog was successfully grabbed by its harness. However, moments later it slipped free and fell back into the sea.

Crewman Aaron Fordy reacted instantly, reaching over the side of the vessel to grab the dog before it disappeared beneath the water.

As Aaron himself was pulled dangerously towards the sea, skipper Jimmy Reid secured him, allowing both men to work together to bring the dog safely onboard.

The rescued German Shepherd was cold, exhausted and suffering from shock, but he crew immediately wrapped the animal in towels and provided warmth and care until it began recovering.

Following the rescue, the boat returned to collect its passengers before heading back to Seahouses Harbour, where the dog was reunited with its owners.

Skipper Jimmy Reid praised Aaron's quick response. "If Aaron hadn't managed to grab the dog when it slipped back into the water, the outcome could have been very different,” he said.

"His quick reactions and determination were crucial in bringing the dog safely aboard."

The dog's owner explained that a sudden gust of wind had caught the inflatable kayak, tearing the rope from his hand and sending it rapidly out to sea. Despite attempts to recover his dog, he was forced to call the Coastguard for assistance.