Fethard RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked on Thursday morning (9 July) to assist a dog walker at Woodstown Beach.
The concerned individual had contacted the Irish Coast Guard for help when their dog became trapped in the oyster beds at Woodstown, Co Waterford.
Fethard’s inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was tasked to launch at 8.30am amid fears that the dog walker may get into difficulty trying to rescue their dog.
The volunteer crew made their way by road and launched the lifeboat at Duncannon. Conditions were good with excellent visibility and a calm sea.
At 9.15am, just before the lifeboat arrived on scene, the Irish Coast Guard advised that the dog had freed itself and had reunited with its owner. Both owner and dog were safe and well. Fethard RNLI was stood down and returned to recover at Duncannon.
This call-out came on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Fethard RNLI’s reopening. It also marked the first call-out for volunteer crew member Rebecca Doyle, whose father John Doyle played a pivotal role in the reopening of the lifeboat station in 1996.
Speaking on the call-out, Rebecca said: “Well done to the dog walker who did the right thing by calling for help. We were relieved to hear that dog had freed itself from danger.
“If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck, don’t go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could easily get out and call them — they will probably get out by themselves. If you’re worried your dog can’t get out, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
