A PET DOG SPARKED an emergency call to rescue services on Sunday when it ran into the water at Cummingston – and swam out to sea.
The animal was in some trouble after swimming too far – but local coastguard officers who had been alerted at nearby Burghead quickly arrived at the scene alongside the Moray Inshore Rescue boat from Findhorn.
It was also fortunate that a helicopter had also been training in the area – its crew spotted the dog out at sea and guided the MORI launch to its location.
An HM Coastguard Moray spokesman said: “The dog was rescued, exhausted and having nearly drowned, and taken back into harbour where the crew and Coastguard Officers provided first aid until the owner could arrange to attend a local vet. Happily, the dog is doing well.”
The spokesman added advice on anyone facing similar circumstances: “Never follow animals into the water, they are much better swimmers than humans and generally can stay alive a lot longer than us -and usually can make their own way out.
“Dial 999 for the coastguard instead and keep an eye on the animal so we can direct resources straight to it when we arrive.”