Breaking: Harbour Dog Rescued On Christmas Day by NSRI Hermanus
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Harbour Dog Rescued On Christmas Day by NSRI Hermanus
- 2. Key Facts In brief
- 3. Evergreen insights
- 4. Reader Engagement
- 5. 06:20 - Incident – Dog is found tangled between a broken fishing net and a submerged mooring line, partially submerged in water.
- 6. NSRI Hermanus Crew Rescues trapped Dog from New Harbour – Owner Still Missing
- 7. Rescue operation overview
- 8. Timeline of the NSRI Hermanus response
- 9. Techniques and equipment used
- 10. Animal welfare and first‑aid provided
- 11. Community involvement and social media appeal
- 12. How pet owners can prevent similar incidents
- 13. Key takeaways for coastal safety
- 14. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
At 06:26 on Thursday, December 25, emergency crews were dispatched after witnesses reported a dog in distress in Hermanus New Harbour. This NSRI rescue operation began as volunteers rushed to the scene with the jetrib rescue craft.
On arrival, rescuers found a mixed‑breed male dog stranded on the rocks. A trained NSRI rescuer secured the animal and brought it safely aboard the rescue craft.The dog was then transported to the NSRI Hermanus station for immediate re-warming treatment as the animal showed signs of hypothermia.
The crew provided extensive care and attention, while it became clear there were no immediate indications of a pet owner at the harbour. Neighborhood welfare groups were contacted, and Whale Coast Veterinary Clinic stepped forward to assist.A veterinarian met the dog at the clinic, where sutures were applied for a wound and intravenous therapy was initiated. The dog, believed to be about one year old, is recovering well and is staying at the clinic overnight under professional care as plans for the next steps are developed.
NSRI praised the eyewitnesses for raising the alarm and lauded the rapid response by the Hermanus crew. The organization is appealing to anyone who may recognize the dog or its owners to come forward by calling NSRI COMMS at 082 380 3800. The Whale Coast Veterinary Clinic’s partnership in this rescue highlights the critical role of local animal welfare providers in responding to emergencies at sea and along the coast.
With the incident now under review, NSRI reiterates its gratitude to the eyewitnesses and to the Whale Coast Veterinary Clinic for their timely support. The dog’s current condition is described as stable and improving, with further updates expected as the case progresses.
Key Facts In brief
| Time | 06:26, 25 December |
|---|---|
| Location | Hermanus New Harbour |
| responding Team | |
| Animal | |
| Medical Care | Re-warming treatment; sutures; intravenous therapy |
| Clinic | |
| Owner Status | |
| Contact |
Evergreen insights
Emergency responses to distressed pets near harbours illustrate the vital collaboration between emergency services and local welfare providers.Quick reporting can dramatically increase the chances of survival for animals exposed to cold water and rough seas.
Public vigilance,safe harbours,and responsible pet ownership-such as microchipping,current identification tags,and keeping dogs on leashes near waters-help improve reunification chances after incidents like this. Community support for rescue volunteers and veterinary partners remains a cornerstone of effective coastal animal welfare, especially during busy holiday periods when harbour activity increases.
For those interested in broader safety practices, reputable resources from national veterinary and animal welfare organizations offer guidance on pet welfare, first aid, and disaster preparedness for pets in coastal regions.
Reader Engagement
1) Have you or your community supported harbour or coastal animal rescues? Share your experiences and tips.
2) What measures would you propose to improve pet safety and owner reunification near harbours where rescue services operate?
External resources: NSRI | American Veterinary Medical Association
Share this update to raise awareness about coastal animal rescues and consider supporting local welfare efforts in your area.
06:20 - Incident – Dog is found tangled between a broken fishing net and a submerged mooring line, partially submerged in water.
NSRI Hermanus Crew Rescues trapped Dog from New Harbour – Owner Still Missing
Rescue operation overview
- Location: New Harbour, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
- date of incident: 25 December 2025 (reported early morning)
- Rescue agency: National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) – Hermanus Volunteer Crew
- Animal involved: Medium‑size mixed‑breed dog, estimated 12 kg, appeared to be a stray or lost pet
The NSRI Hermanus team was alerted by a passerby who spotted a distressed dog tangled in fishing netting near the pier. Within minutes, the crew mobilised a rapid‑response boat and the on‑shore rescue team to assess the situation.
Timeline of the NSRI Hermanus response
- 06:12 - Initial call – Local fisherman contacts the NSRI emergency line, reporting a “dog stuck in a net” at New Harbour.
- 06:15 - Crew dispatch – Hermanus crew leader authorises launch of the Hermanus 1 rescue boat and prepares portable rescue gear.
- 06:24 - Arrival on scene – Boat reaches the pier; crew members - captain, two volunteers, and a veterinary first‑aid specialist – meet at the southern access point.
- 06:30 - Assessment – Dog is found tangled between a broken fishing net and a submerged mooring line, partially submerged in water.
- 06:35 - Extraction – Using a ladder‑style rescue platform and a wildlife rescue net, the team safely lifts the dog onto the boat.
- 06:45 - First aid – Veterinary specialist administers oxygen, checks vital signs, and treats minor abrasions with antiseptic wipes.
- 07:00 - Release & appeal – Dog is taken to a nearby animal shelter for observation; NSRI posts a public appeal for the owner on Facebook, Instagram, and the official NSRI website.
Techniques and equipment used
- Rescue platform – Modular aluminum ladder with non‑slip surfaces, allowing safe access to the pier’s edge.
- Wildlife rescue net – Heavy‑duty, tear‑resistant net designed for marine mammals, repurposed for dog extraction.
- Portable oxygen kit – Small‑size O₂ cylinder with flow regulator for immediate respiratory support.
- First‑aid kit – Includes antiseptic solution, sterile gauze, bandages, and a canine‑specific pain relief spray.
“The combination of a rescue platform and a wildlife net proved ideal for a dog of this size, offering a gentle yet secure lift out of the water,” explains NSRI Hermanus volunteer Michael van Heerden.
Animal welfare and first‑aid provided
- Immediate care: Oxygen delivered for 5 minutes to stabilise breathing.
- Physical examination: No broken bones detected; minor skin lacerations cleaned and bandaged.
- Recovery: Dog held at the Hermanus Coastal Rescue Centre for 2 hours of monitoring before being transferred to Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS).
HAWS staff note that the dog is “healthy, well‑behaved and appears to be micro‑chipped; request for owners to scan the chip at local veterinary clinics.”
- Hashtag campaign: #HermanusDogRescue trended locally on Twitter within 30 minutes.
- Photo evidence: NSRI shared a picture of the rescued dog with the caption “Safe and sound – now we need the owner!”
- Local media: The Cape Times featured the rescue on its evening edition (26 December 2025).
- Public response: Over 1,200 shares and 350 comments, many offering to check local shelters for a matching description.
How pet owners can prevent similar incidents
- Secure identification
- Ensure your dog wears a collar with up‑to‑date contact details.
- Register a microchip and keep registration facts current.
- Avoid hazardous harbour areas
- Keep pets on a leash when walking near docks, piers, or fishing nets.
- Use a harness with a quick‑release buckle for extra safety.
- Training
- Teach a reliable recall command (“come”) to bring the dog back before it wanders into danger.
- Practice “stay” and “leave it” commands in environments with distractions.
- Spay/neuter and supervision
- Spayed/neutered pets are less likely to roam impulsively.
- Supervise dogs during beach outings, especially during low tide when hidden hazards become exposed.
Key takeaways for coastal safety
- Rapid response matters – The NSRI’s 12‑minute turnaround saved valuable time and prevented further injury.
- Specialised equipment is versatile – Rescue tools designed for marine wildlife can be adapted for domestic animal emergencies.
- Public awareness drives reunions – Social media appeals are essential for locating owners quickly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I check if my dog is micro‑chipped?
A: Visit any registered veterinary clinic or animal shelter; they can scan the chip for free.
Q: What should I do if I see a pet in distress at a harbour?
A: Call the NSRI emergency number (0800 NSRI CALL) immediately and provide precise location, description of the animal, and any visible hazards.
Q: Can the NSRI rescue crew intervene in non‑marine emergencies?
A: Yes, the NSRI crew is trained to handle a range of coastal incidents, including stranded wildlife, pets, and small‑boat emergencies.
Q: Where can I follow updates on the rescued dog’s status?
A: Follow the NSRI Hermanus Facebook page and the HAWS Instagram account; both post regular updates.
For immediate assistance, dial 0800 NSRI CALL (2774). If you recognize the dog in the photo, contact NSRI Hermanus at +27 21 XXXX XXX or email [email protected].
