A dog that was swept off rocks into the ocean off New South Wales has been rescued after swimming nearly a kilometre to an island. Marine Rescue NSW volunteers responded to an unusual call on Monday in Batemans Bay, where the dog was seen in distress in the water.
By the time the rescue team arrived, the dog had swum about 800 metres to Snapper Island. Unit commander Rod Ingamells said the rescue was challenging due to rough conditions and the dog's evasive behaviour. A volunteer eventually coaxed the animal onto a jetski near Smugglers Cove.
The dog, believed to be named Oscar, was taken to a vet with cut paws from the island's rocks. Eurobodalla Shire Council reported the dog was not microchipped, but owners have made contact. Rangers are working to reunite the dog with its family after a yard inspection.
Ingamells noted the strong community response, with many locals offering help. The rescue team, which has been training with new jetskis, has previously rescued whales, dolphins, kangaroos, and sheep. Ingamells said, 'We're all volunteers here and we've got a really good community.'
