North Berwick coastguard rescues two people trying to save a dog in the sea

All three are thought to be safe and well.

The North Berwick coastguards have saved the lives of two people who jumped into the sea at Cockenzie to rescue a dog.

The team was initially called by the fire brigade at 1:30pm this afternoon (Saturday, May 9), amid reports that a dog was struggling to get out of the water near the old power station.

As they made their way there, the coastguard team was told that two people were in the water along with the animal, and were struggling to get out.

The coastguard used their Kinghorn Lifeboat to get close to both people on the ledge, and took them safely to Cockenzie harbour.

By the time they arrived, fire crews had managed to tug the pair to safety on a concrete ledge using ropes and lifejackets.

The coastguard used their Kinghorn Lifeboat to get close to both people on the ledge, and took them safely to Cockenzie harbour.

An ambulance crew confirmed that both people were fit and well after their ordeal.

The coastguard advised the public that, “although distressing”, they should not enter the water to help struggling animals.

“Animals will often self extricate given time,” it added.

Instead, members of the public should call 999 and ask for the coastguard, keeping their eyes on the person or animal in the water until the team arrives.

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