NSRI Gqeberha: A dog rescued

Dog rescued after being swept 200 metres out to sea off Pollock Beach, Gqeberha

Gqeberha, South Africa - At 14h52 on Saturday, 15 August 2026, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gqeberha duty crew, on station conducting routine training, responded to reports to NSRI's Emergency Operations Centre of a dog in distress offshore of Pollock Beach.

NSRI launched the rescue craft Rescue 6 Alpha while Coastal Water Rescue rescue swimmers responded from shore.

Indications were that the dog had been swept at least 200 metres offshore. Lifeguards had launched from Pollock Beach to assist, along with a bystander who had paddled out on a Malibu rescue board to help.

When the NSRI rescue craft arrived on the scene, half a kilometre offshore, an NSRI rescue swimmer entered the water and secured the dog, bringing him safely aboard.

Wrapped in blankets and warmed by the rescue swimmer's body heat, the dog, appearing hypothermic, was brought safely to the NSRI Gqeberha rescue station, where warming procedures continued.

A contact number on the dog's collar led NSRI to his owners, who arrived at the rescue station for an emotional reunion with their pet.

The dog, Bean, a male Australian Shepherd, is believed to have broken free of his leash during an afternoon walk and plunged into the ocean. As his owners and bystanders tried to retrieve him, he was caught in a rip current and swept out to sea.

Bean is now safely home, where he enjoyed a warm shower and is recovering in the care of his owners.

NSRI commends the swift, coordinated response that contributed to saving Bean's life.

Photos can be accessed through the NSRI Flickr page