James Janse van Rensburg, NSRI Hermanus duty coxswain, said:
At 06h26, Thursday, 25 December, NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a dog appearing to be in distress swimming in the Hermanus New Harbour.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded and the NSRI rescue craft JetRIB was launched.
On arrival on the scene the mixed breed male dog was found trapped on rocks.
An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed and was able to secure the dog and safely rescue the dog onto the rescue craft.
The dog was brought to our NSRI Hermanus station 17 rescue base where re-warming treatment commenced to the hypothermic dog.
Plenty of care, love and attention, in abundance, was applied to the dog by our NSRI Hermanus crew.
There appeared to be no signs of the owners of the dog.
NSRI duty controllers called around seeking animal welfare assistance and Whale Coast Veterinary Clinic came forward offering assistance.
A vet responded to the clinic while NSRI transported the dog to the clinic where the vet provided medical care, including sutures for a wound, and intravenous therapy, to the dog that is believed to be about a year old.
The dog is recovering well, appearing to be in good spirits, and will stay at the clinic overnight in the care of the vet and clinic staff before a plan of action can be established going forward.
NSRI commend Whale Coast Veterinary Clinic for their assistance and care.
NSRI are appealing to anyone that may recognize the dog, or the owners, to come forward – they can call NSRI COMMS at 0823803800.
NSRI has commended the eyewitnesses that raised the alarm and the swift response by our NSRI Hermanus crew in saving the dog is commended.