On Saturday October 8 at 5:04 pm HM Coastguard requested that RNLI Rye Harbour launch their Atlantic 85. A dog was lost out at sea at Jury’s Gap. The owners very wisely rang 999 and asked the Coastguard for help.
As it was low tide, the boat had to make a low water launch which involves taking the boat down to the mouth of the Rother on its carriage and launching from the beach. This requires a team of shore crew to assist, an experienced tractor driver to cope with the steep bank of shingle and of course four crew members to man the boat. Many crew members were preparing for an evening with families, a meal out and time with loved ones, but once their pagers went off, they made their way to the station and the shout was underway.
The boat headed to Jury’s Gap and liaised with the Coastguard as to which area to start the search. The boat and crew scoured the waters until with fading light at 6:50pm the search was called off. It is with much sadness that we have to report that the dog at that point had not been located. The crew returned to the station where the boat was washed down and prepared for future service.
The team worked professionally together and some of the new shore crew were able to put their training into practice.
An update from the owner of Thor, Chloe Bourne.
“Thank you to all those who helped on Saturday night, RNLI and Coastguards and others. On Sunday we had a drone pilot capturing the scene from overhead to enable us to have a fuller picture and people searching on the ground. We are hoping he came ashore and has sought shelter, so we are asking for people in the area to look in isolated places. He is a little nervous of men but as he will be starving, he probably will come for food.”
Contact numbers for Chloe
07562285063
07383222392
Image Credits: Chloe Bourne , Kt bruce , Stuart Clark , Iain Cebunka , Mick Cocker , Charlie Stout .
Thank you RNLI for searching for Thor. Animals are people too.
I do hope he has found land.