Mumbles RNLI rescue missing dog after 2-day search
On Wednesday night (8 January), the Mumbles RNLI inshore lifeboat launched for its first shout of the year, to reports of a dog barking on the Middle Island by Mumbles Lighthouse.
A big social media campaign was under way for Lola, who had been missing for over 30 hours, with many members of the public out searching.
The volunteer crew of the inshore lifeboat (ILB) started to search and quickly spotted a small target in an eastern gully on the island. A crew member was put ashore to investigate and quickly found Lola.
Upon locating Lola, the crew member carried out an assessment. She was cold but otherwise unharmed. The crew, who are trained in dealing with distressed animals, managed to calm Lola and made a make-a-shift lead to prevent her from escaping once more.
The next challenge was to get the ILB close enough, so the crew could safely transfer the dog onto the boat. Acting quickly, the crew made the transfer at the optimum time. Wrapping her in blankets to keep her warm, for a joyous reunion with her family on Pier Beach.
Volunteer Crew Member, James Cunliffe said:
'We were delighted to reunite Lola with her family after a big search effort from the local community since she went missing from the family home. A heart-warming rescue for our first inshore lifeboat shout of 2025!
'If you ever see an animal in danger near the coast, please do not attempt to rescue the animal yourself as you could end up in danger. Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
RNLI media contacts:
For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert on
[email protected] or 07717 793890.
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 / [email protected], or the the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected]
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.