Dog rescued by Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI

At the time of the call, the Berwick-upon-Tweed B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat the Penny J, had just returned to Berwick Dock following an exercise and was being cleaned down and prepared for service. The crew responded immediately to the launch request.

Helm John Campbell, Helm Michael Percy and Tier Two crew member Shona Richardson quickly made their way from the dock to the reported location.

Weather conditions were calm, with a very light westerly wind, allowing the crew to locate the dog quickly.

The Labrador, named Cooper, was clearly distressed and becoming increasingly fatigued. As he tired, the crew were able to gain his trust, enabling one crew member to enter the water and safely guide him alongside the lifeboat, where he was recovered on board.

Following the successful rescue, the crew returned to Berwick Dock, where, with assistance from Berwick-upon-Tweed Coastguard, Cooper was reunited with his owners. Arrangements were then made for him to be examined by a veterinarian.

RNLI spokesperson Michael Percy said: ‘Dogs are part of the family, and our biggest concern is always that owners may put themselves at risk trying to rescue them. In this case, the owners did exactly the right thing by calling for help. We launched immediately and were on scene very quickly after returning from an exercise.

'Working with animals always carries an element of uncertainty, as you never know how they will react. Thankfully, Cooper realised we were there to help, allowing us to recover him safely into the lifeboat. He proved to be a very strong swimmer, and we hope he makes a full recovery.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hazel Bettison, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.