A family of five and their dog were dramatically rescued after being trapped by a rising tide at Kynance Cove in Cornwall. The group, including Otis the dog, found themselves in peril around 6 pm on Monday as the swell from Hurricane Erin began to rise.
Two quick-thinking cafe workers, Rudy and Chris from the Kynance Cove Café, sprang into action using their paddleboards to bring the stranded family back to shore. However, amidst the chaos, Otis became separated and was found partially perched on the cliff of Asparagus Island within the cove.
A lifeboat, under the command of Darren Thirlaway, had been launched just ten minutes after reports of the family’s predicament came in.
Upon arrival, they discovered that while the family was safe, Otis was still in danger. With worsening sea conditions, two crew members were dispatched in a smaller Y-boat to reach the terrified pet.
Due to Otis’s size, it proved almost impossible to hoist him into the Y-boat. Instead, a brave crew member secured a line to Otis, and both he and the dog entered the water, clinging to the Y-boat as it made its way back to the main lifeboat.
Finally, Otis was lifted aboard the RNLB Rose, where he was kept warm and calm for the journey back to the station.
They reached the scene at 7.19 pm, and following an emotional reunion with his relieved owners, Otis was rushed to a veterinary surgery to be examined for possible water ingestion.
An RNLI spokesperson expressed their gratitude, stating: “Grateful thanks must be given to Rudy and Chris from Kynance Cove Café for their courageous intervention in rescuing the family prior to our arrival.
“Our message to all beachgoers is to please heed all of the warning signs and notices and to listen to those who know our beaches, coves, and tides when being advised to move to a safer position on the beach.”
