Hurricane Helene’s formidable force left major destruction in Florida, and a dog lost at sea. Thankfully, the Coast Guard was there to offer a helping hand.
You can never assume you’re safe at sea when there’s a hurricane. You’re going to face monster waves and the possibility of your vessel being destroyed. That’s what happened to a man and his dog as when they sailed through hurricane waters. The Coast Guard has been pivotal in saving their lives; they displayed a strong dedication to protecting both humans and animals.
It was Thursday, September 26, 2024, when Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida. As it prepares to leave a path of destruction on the state’s landmass, a man and his dog got lost in the sea while sailing off the coast on Sanibel Island. The man owns a 36-feet tall sailboat, which was disabled by the hurricane. It also started taking on water roughly 25 miles off the island. As the man and his dog got lost in high seas, the US Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater made a remarkable display of precision. They successfully completed the rescue mission and brought the survivors to Southwest International Airport to meet the Emergency Medical Services personnel. Reports shared that the man and dog were in good condition after the rescue.
Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes
After the Coast Guard’s incredible rescue of man and dog amid Hurricane Helene, they reminded everyone to avoid water-related activities until weather conditions improve. The rescue story also highlights the importance of heeding safety advisories and planning ahead to ensure pet safety during emergencies. If a hurricane is forecasted to be in your area, here are other tips to stay safe:
- Stay indoors as soon as local authorities announce that a storm is coming.
- Monitor your TV or radio for instructions and updates from local safety officials.
- Have your pet’s disaster preparedness kit ready. At the very least, it should include food, water, medication, cleaning supplies, and a collar or leash.
- Keep calm. Dogs can sense anxiety and other emotions, so calming yourself down will make your pet feel better.
- Prepare a list of dog-friendly lodging in case you need to evacuate as only select emergency shelters accept pets.
RELATED: Trust Your Pet: This Dog Saved a Baby from an Abusive Caretaker
Other Rescue Stories Involving Dogs
Rescue stories that involve dogs bring a clear message: every canine life matters. Saving dogs from tough situations and offering them to a chance to start anew are among the most beautiful things you can witness in this lifetime. Here are other rescue stories that tugged at the heartstrings of dog lovers:
Fishermen Rescued 38 Hound Dogs
In June 2024, a total of 38 dogs struggled to stay alive when they plunged into a Mississippi Lake. So how did they get there? They were chasing a deer during a fox hunt. Thankfully, three fishermen heard them barking as they looked unsure which way to go. The fishermen used a small boat to rescue the dogs in batches; all 38 of them survived.
Firefighters Performed CPR on a Dog
Utah firefighters saved a dog’s life during an apartment fire. The dog was found in a kennel and was already unresponsive when the firefighters reached the building. They took the dog outside and started CPR, which brought the dog back to life. The furry animal was the only one left inside the unit when the fire broke out.
RELATED: A Heartwarming Rescue: Cyclists Become Heroes for an Injured
From The Club
The thought of a dog and owner lost in the high seas is alarming. Before the rescue operation happened, I can’t imagine how scared the dog was in the open water. I bring my dog to the beach and even if we’re there to play and relax, he gets so anxious. Of course, the dog’s owner must have been so scared too. There’s a lesson to be learned here: always think safety in any emergency situation. Following basic safety procedures can go a long way for you and your pooch. Stay safe and dry!
