Heroes save dogs from sinking car

Two dogs were rescued from a sinking car at Loch Venachar, near Callander.

Heroic staff members from the Venachar Lochside restaurant and cafe sprung into action when a black Volvo estate rolled into the water.

The car owner’s pets were still inside the vehicle when it hit the water.

But thanks to quick-thinking employees, the car was accessed and the dogs were lifted to safety – although the vehicle went on to sink.

Police officers and a team from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were also called to assist.

The Observer understood that the driver of the vehicle had parked the car outside, leaving her two dogs in the back seat, before quickly popping into the cafe for some refreshments to go.

However, to her horror, she could only watch on as the car, a 2016 model, began to move and made its way for the water with her beloved pets inside.

It is believed that the vehicle began to move as the electronic hand brake hadn’t applied properly.

Staff at the cafe were quick to act, among them the head chef who stripped down to his boxers, grabbed a spade and rushed to the rescue.

Thankfully they managed to gain access to the vehicle and free the beloved pets and get the dogs to safety, but they couldn’t save the car which went on to sink below the freezing waters of the loch – unreachable to its owner.

Police officers were called to the scene but were forced to draft in a specialist team from SEPA in a bid to recover the vehicle.

A police spokesperson confirmed that they attended the Venachar Lochside at after reports of a car in the water.

They said that although there were two dogs inside the car these were retrieved with the assistance of the owner.

Police added: “The car was fully submerged in the water and as a result

SEPA were notified.

“Everyone was safe and well and recovery was arranged for the following day.”

SEPA confirmed that they attended the incident to assess the potential impact of leaking fuel or liquids on the water.

However, after a visual inspection they were satisfied that there were no added issues.

The vehicle was later recovered with the help of divers the following day.