Dogs rescued after falling into the Mersey - 28th Nov 2008 11:07pm
TWO dogs were saved by Merseyside Fire Service's rescue boat after falling into the River Mersey at Eastham Ferry.
A passer-by raised the alarm on Monday afternoon after the animals were seen drifting away from the shoreline.
Rescuers found the pair panicked and stranded 40 yards apart at Eastham Ferry. They had escaped from a garden in Eastham and were later taken to a holding kennel before being reunited with their owner.
Paul Donnelly, a crewman with the brigade's marine rescue team, said: "When we found the dogs they were in an area with a really steep bank.
"The female managed to half pull herself to safety but the male was struggling. We went to him first and reversed the lifeboat up to him so we could coax him on board. He was so exhausted he collapsed the moment he made it onto the boat.
"The dogs were frightened. The female was distressed because she couldn't reach the male and they were obviously heavy because they were soaking wet.
"We brought them ashore and gave them water and food and towel-dried them. They were lovely dogs. Both of them were so amiable
A passer-by raised the alarm on Monday afternoon after the animals were seen drifting away from the shoreline.
Rescuers found the pair panicked and stranded 40 yards apart at Eastham Ferry. They had escaped from a garden in Eastham and were later taken to a holding kennel before being reunited with their owner.
Paul Donnelly, a crewman with the brigade's marine rescue team, said: "When we found the dogs they were in an area with a really steep bank.
"The female managed to half pull herself to safety but the male was struggling. We went to him first and reversed the lifeboat up to him so we could coax him on board. He was so exhausted he collapsed the moment he made it onto the boat.
"The dogs were frightened. The female was distressed because she couldn't reach the male and they were obviously heavy because they were soaking wet.
"We brought them ashore and gave them water and food and towel-dried them. They were lovely dogs. Both of them were so amiable
