Fethard RNLI requested to assist dog walker and their dog

A member of the public had contacted the Irish Coast Guard for help when their dog became trapped in the oyster beds at Woodstown.

Fethard RNLI inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was tasked to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 08.30am amid concerns that the dog walker may get into difficulty trying to rescue their dog. The volunteer crew made their way by road and launched the lifeboat at Duncannon. Conditions were good with excellent visibility and a calm sea.

At 09.15am, just before the lifeboat arrived on scene, the Irish Coast Guard advised that the dog had freed itself and had reunited with its owner. Both owner and dog were safe and well. Fethard RNLI was stood down and returned to recover at Duncannon. The lifeboat returned to station and was washed down and refuelled ready for service.

This call-out comes on the eve of the 30^th anniversary of Fethard RNLI’s reopening. It also marked the first call-out for volunteer crewmember Rebecca Doyle, whose father John Doyle played a pivotal role in the reopening of the lifeboat station in 1996.

Speaking on the call-out, volunteer crewmember Rebecca Doyle said: ‘Well done to the dog walker who did the right thing by calling for help. We were relieved to hear that dog had freed itself from danger.

‘If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck, don’t go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could easily get out and call them – they will probably get out by themselves. If you’re worried your dog can’t get out, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

Notes to Editors

Photo Detail

Photo 1: Fethard RNLI lifeboat launching

Photo 2: Fethard RNLI volunteer crewmember Rebecca Doyle after the call-out

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Nadia Blanchfield, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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