Lough Swilly RNLI saves dog from river after bridge collapses in Buncrana, Donegal

The dog had fallen off the Crana Bridge at Swan Park in Buncrana yesterday and was left stranded in icy waters.

The petrified pet managed to stay out of the water after finding a rock to stand on.

Members of the local Lough Swilly RNLI were tasked with carrying out the unusual rescue and responded without thinking.

Several members of the team arrived on the scene within a few minutes to assess the situation.

Some members of the team held a safety rope as RNLI volunteer member Paddy Murphy waded into the icy waters to save the dog.

Paddy managed to get a safety rope around the dog, who behaved perfectly as he was taken back to the safety of the coast.

It turns out the little dog has a great name, Zeus, and was out for a walk with his owner Sarah Little when disaster struck.

Sarah thanked everyone who helped, including Paddy and the RNLI, Swan Park staff and gardaí, as well as passers-by.

“We are so grateful to everyone. Zeus is happy, dry and healthy and doesn’t have a scratch on him. A special thanks to Paddy,” Sarah said.

The story went viral on social media with everyone praising Paddy and the Lough Swilly RNLI team.

Anne Devereaux posted “How lucky are we to have these guys taking care of our community?”

Niall Patrick Campbell wrote: “Things like that show that kindness is still here, human or animal, the emergency services always do the best they can in any situation. Fair play to all.”

Local bar The Drift Inn managed to obtain video of the rescue.

And they told Paddy that the next time he calls to say hello, there will be free pints for him.

Well, rescuing dogs and people is a thirsty job!