In a display of teamwork and expertise, Humber Rescue volunteers braved challenging storm-like conditions to save “Buddy,” a dog stranded for six hours near Whitton Island on 6th December.
Buddy had been separated from his owner since approximately 16:00, but thanks to a live tracker attached to his collar, rescuers pinpointed his location and launched a mission to save him in difficult weather conditions.
Andy Ward, the Coxswain of the callout, said: “We faced strong winds, a wind-against-tide sea state, and an ebbing tide, making conditions exceptionally tough. My priority was ensuring the safety of my three crew members while locating Buddy. Two crew members were deployed on Whitton Island to search for and retrieve him.”
After two hours of searching in difficult conditions and the relentless effort of our crew, Buddy was found at 22:20, subdued but alive. He was quickly transported back to the Humber Rescue boathouse, where he was cared for until his joyous reunion with his owner.
“This rescue highlights not only the importance of preparation, like fitting pets with live trackers, but also the dedication of our volunteers, who launched into challenging conditions, to bring Buddy home,” added Ward.
Dave Roberts, Chairman of Humber Rescue and the incident’s launch authority, praised the team’s efforts during the challenging rescue:
“Humber Rescue is entirely funded by the generosity of our community,” Roberts emphasised. “It’s this support that allows us to continue launching in difficult conditions and achieving positive outcomes like Buddy’s safe return. Every rescue highlights the incredible commitment of our volunteers and the vital role our supporters play in making our work possible.”
“In this case, their determination turned what could have been a heartbreaking outcome into a heartwarming reunion. We also want to remind the public to always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in emergencies rather than attempting self-rescue.”
Roberts added, “This callout, our 106th this year, was a clear reminder of the unpredictability of our waters and the critical role we play in ensuring safety for all.”
The success of Buddy’s rescue was attributed to teamwork, preparation, and the live tracker, which significantly reduced search time. Humber Rescue urges pet owners to consider such devices for their pets and highlights the importance of reaching out to professionals in emergencies.
Humber Rescue extends its gratitude to Hull Coastguard Rescue Team and the local community for their ongoing support.
For more information on Humber Rescue and how to support their work, please visit www.humber-rescue.co.uk or follow them on social media at Humber Rescue.
About Humber Rescue
Humber Rescue is an independent lifeboat charity based on the Humber Estuary. Run entirely by volunteers, the charity provides 24/7 critical search and rescue services, responding to emergencies in one of the busiest waterways in Europe. Since its establishment, Humber Rescue has saved countless lives and remains a vital part of the region’s safety infrastructure.