BATEMANS BAY — A dog was swept off rocks into the ocean at Batemans Bay on the New South Wales south coast and swam approximately 800 metres across the bay to Snapper Island. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were alerted to the dog in distress around noon after receiving two phone calls—one from a member of the public at Observation Point and another from national parks staff.

According to Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan, the dog was in the water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes before reaching Snapper Island. Volunteers deployed the rescue vessel Batemans Bay 20 and a rescue jetski, and issued a call to private vessels in the area to assist in locating the animal. A search was also conducted at Observation Head to ensure no person was in distress, as there was concern the dog might have been attempting to rescue its owner.

Volunteers spent about an hour trying to coax the dog onto a jetski before successfully securing it near Smugglers Cove on Snapper Island. The dog was then transported from the island to a waiting boat on the back of the jetski and taken to shore. It had cut paws from the rocks on Snapper Island and was later taken to a veterinarian.

“We got it back to shore and it's now nice and safe,” Sullivan said. “The dog looked in a fit and healthy condition. Hopefully they will find the owner.”

The dog was handed over to Eurobodalla Shire Council rangers. The council confirmed the dog did not have a microchip but stated the owners have since made contact with authorities. Rangers plan to reunite the dog with its family following a yard inspection.

Marine Rescue NSW Unit Commander Rod Ingamells said the rescue presented unexpected challenges. “I thought originally it was going to be easy, but it’s a difficult little spot.” He added, “We’ve been training for months, and he’s got the accolade for being the first rescue. It turns out to be a puppy instead of a person.”