Montrose RNLI rescues woman and dog cut off by rising tide north of Lunan Bay

At 2.09pm, HM Coastguard tasked Montrose RNLI's inshore lifeboat Margaret Olive to reports of a person and dog stranded north of Lunan Bay after the tide had come in.

Launching promptly, the volunteer crew made best speed to the scene in calm sea conditions. The casualty and her French bulldog were quickly located, with both found to be safe and well. The pair were recovered aboard the inshore lifeboat, although the four-legged passenger was understandably a little unsure about its first lifeboat trip.

The woman, who was visiting the Montrose area, had been collecting agates along the shoreline when she realised the rising tide had cut off her route back. Recognising the situation, she did exactly the right thing by calling HM Coastguard for assistance.

The lifeboat crew safely transferred both the owner and her dog to a safe location at Lunan Bay beach, where HM Coastguard officers were waiting. Before returning to station, the French bulldog received plenty of fuss and attention from the RNLI volunteers on the beach, while both owner and pet were happy to be safely back ashore.

Helm Calum Moir said: "Thankfully this was a straightforward rescue and a happy outcome for everyone involved. The casualty recognised that she had become cut off by the tide and called HM Coastguard early, which was absolutely the right thing to do. Tides can rise surprisingly quickly and can leave people stranded before they realise it. If you ever find yourself in difficulty on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as soon as possible."

The lifeboat then returned to Montrose Lifeboat Station, where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for its next service.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Sally McKay, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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