Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station

News release

Issued by Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

DATE 18/04/2008 TIME 6 PM REFERENCE: SMT/RH/017

Dog jumps into River Rother whilst chasing a seagull.


Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew launched yesterday (17/04/2008) at 6.25 pm to a dog which jumped into the River Rother at Rye Harbour, whilst chasing a seagull. The rescue took place without the use of a boat as there was not enough water in the river.


Four crew members attended the incident by vehicle, taking the station maintenance ladder with them to gain access to the river bed. The dog, Millie, a Patterdale terrier had swam across the river to Camber - where she became stranded on a sand bar near the mouth of the River Rother.

Two of the Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew climbed down the ladder and waded across the river to where the dog was stranded. They caught Millie and carried her back across the river and up the ladder, where she was reunited with her owners Mr and Mrs Wintle of Crowhurst.

Tony Edwards, RNLI DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) at Rye Harbour said:

‘The owners did the right thing by not attempting to get into the river to rescue the dog, but instead telephone for assistance. RNLI Lifeboat crews have the necessary equipment to enable them to carry out a safe rescue.

The crew train Sunday mornings and Monday evenings: regular training is vital to allow volunteers to go to sea and save lives.’

END

Photo: Mrs Wintle with Millie - courtesy of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station

Notes to editors

  1. 1. During 2007 the RLNLI launched 108 times to animals, resulting in 60 animals being rescued. Out of the 60 animals rescued 40 were dogs.
  2. Mrs Wintle is happy to talk to the media (phone number available on request)
  3. The RNLI is a registered charity and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.


For more information please contact Steve Tollett, the RNLI lifeboat press officer at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station on email: Press Officer.

  • The RNLI is a registered charity that saves lives at sea.
  • It provides, on call, the 24-hour service necessary to cover search and rescue requirements to 100 nautical miles out from the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
  • There are over 230 lifeboat stations.
  • RNLI Beach Lifeguards operate in the south and south west of England.
  • The RNLI further saves lives through sea and beach education.
  • The RNLI depends on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income.

    • Vision


    To be recognised universally as the most effective, innovative and dependable lifeboat service.Royal National Lifeboat Institution headquarters:

    West Quay Road
    Poole
    Dorset
    BH15 1HZ
    Tel 0845 1226999
    Fax 0845 1261999