Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat crew rescue dog without launching.
A ten year old staffie was cared for by the duty lifeboat crew on Wednesday evening 12 December 2018 after he was found wandering near Chiswick Pier.
There were no owner details as the dog’s collar was broken so photos were posted on social media; the crew then rang round local vets to see if any could scan the dog for a chip. The owner had also been ringing round local vets and finally spoke to one who said he had better call Chiswick Lifeboat station.
Soon after, there was a tearful reunion; the crew were happy to help resolve a distressing situation, the tenth involving a dog this year but the only doggie incident where they didn’t have to launch the lifeboat.
The dog had gone missing near Ravenscourt Park and had made his way over a mile to Chiswick Pier when a passer by saw he was on his own, and asked the duty crew to look after him.
RNLI crew member Cub Llewellyn-Davies said “It wasn’t ideal to be caring for a dog on our night shift as we could be called out at any time. Fortunately he was reunited with his owner during the evening”
Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station is the second busiest in the UK and Ireland. Since The RNLI search and rescue service on the Thames started in 2002, Chiswick Lifeboat has attended over 3,500 incidents and rescued over 1,730 people, and dozens of dogs. The RNLI is entirely funded by public donations.
RNLI media contacts
- David Clarke RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer (Chiswick), 07951 21 0500 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.