Aberdeen RNLI launches following reports of dog in trouble in the River Dee

Inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N, launched at 15:26, following reports of a dog and owner sighted in trouble on the banks of the river. Heavy snowmelt has seen water conditions becoming dangerous, with fast-flowing water, debris travelling downstream toward the harbour mouth and the Dee having burst its banks at various points along the way.

The lifeboat and volunteer crew conducted an extensive search up and down the river and harbour, before standing down at 17:10. Neither the dog nor owner were reported as being seen but the crew was confident that both are safe and well.

Grant Bruce, Helm, said: “We take shouts involving dogs incredibly seriously. We’re conscious that where there is a dog involved, the owner is likely to go into the water after them. The RNLI encourages owners to move to a safe place and report the incident to the Coastguard. In this instance, it was a member of the public who reported the incident, allowing us to launch quickly and ensure that no one was in danger. We always encourage owners to contact the Coastguard with an update if both dog and owner get themselves to safety.

“Both rivers are particularly dangerous right now, even more so than usual, with logs and other debris, as well as a considerable amount of fast-flowing water heading downstream as a result of the now thawing heavy snowfall we’ve seen lately. We want to remind the public to be vigilant when walking on the river banks and to keep dogs on a lead as much as possible.”

The RNLI is a charity that is funded by support from the public which allows us to continue saving lives at sea.

Notes to editors

· Aberdeen lifeboat station has been operating since 1802. To learn more about the lifeboat station visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/aberdeen-lifeboat-station

· Aberdeen lifeboat station operates a Severn class all weather lifeboat, Bon Accord, and D class inshore lifeboat, Buoy Woody 85N.

RNLI media contacts

Jamee Kirkpatrick, Lifeboat Press Officer | Aberdeen, 07521304409, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

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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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