Search for missing dog

Sea Rescue – Witsand – 16 January, 2011: Dog missing – presumed drowned:At 10h18 (16/01) NSRI Witsand volunteers were activated after we received a call for assistance from a resident on the Infanta side of the Breede river who’s elderly border collie had been caught in the strong in flowing tide near to the estuary mouth of the Breede River and was being swept up river.According to the owners they were fishing on the banks of the river and their dog had gone for a swim, but being an elderly dog he was unable to swim against the incoming tide (which pushes in at some 8 to 9 knots). The owners lost sight of the dog and immediately activated the NSRI..Our NSRI Witsand volunteers launched their Discovery Rescue Runner and proceeded to the last sited position of the animal and an extensive search was conducted in murky water.Shore patrols were carried out along the river bank by rescuers, the owners and residents.No sign of the dog has been found and it has been presumed that the dog may have drowned.The dogs owners are continuing to search the river sand banks at low tide today (17/01) to try and locate the body of their dog.The NSRI is appealing to anyone who sees the elderly black and white sheepdog, to contact NSRI Witsand with the location on 082 990 5957 (this is an emergency sea rescue phone number and should not be used for media enquiries – any media enquiries may be routed to 0823803800).