Man almost drowns trying to save dog from fast-flowing river

SPECIALIST rescue teams were called in after a dog walker ended up pinned against trees by a fast flowing river in South Devon.

Firefighters were called to Jetty Marsh Road in Newton Abbot shortly before 7pm on Saturday after the man entered the swollen river to save his dog.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Two crews from Newton

Abbot and the special rescue team from Camels Head attended an incident where a man was stranded after attempting to rescue his dog from fast flowing flood water.

“Crews managed to get the man a floatation device whilst awaiting the arrival of the boat from Plymouth.

“On arrival of the special rescue team, the boat was launched and the man and his dog were rescued and conveyed to dry land where they were checked over by paramedics.”

On Facebook, a spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said while they waited for the Specialist Rescue Boat they tied a life jacket onto a line and threw it to the casualty to provide them with some protection.

They went on: “The SRT team quickly got to work and liaised with the IC to develop a plan. Newton crews assisted Camels Head launching a rescue raft into the water in order to rescue the individual. The raft was attached to a line so crews were able to quickly pull the crew and victim back to safety after carrying out the rescue.

“This incident once again came as a result of a person entering a water course to rescue their dog. Fire crews understand why people do this, but we would once again remind people flood water and rivers are dangerous and shouldn’t be entered.”