A harrowing rescue took place at Lepe beach in Hampshire, England when a helicopter rescued a blind dog who was lost at sea.

A border collie named Fly had gone into the water to play when he ended up getting swept away by the current.

“We were literally playing on the shoreline when all of a sudden he took it in his head to swim to the Isle of Wight,” said Mark Cowing, Fly’s owner. “When he got 20 or 30 feet out I had to strip off, down to my underpants, and go and rescue him.”

“He disappeared out of sight so I presumed he drowned. I tried to wave for help but I thought I was a goner,” he continued. “Luckily a gentleman of 71, I didn’t get his name, came out in his kayak and dragged me to shore.”

Mark was sure that his beloved pet would never be found alive, but he called the Coast Guard to see if they could do anything to help him. They did not hesitate in taking action!

Amazingly enough, a helicopter was able to find a struggling dog 200 meters offshore and directed a lifeboat to his location. Cowes RNLI lifeboat member Mark Harker leapt into the water to pull Fly two safety.

“I was in tears when I saw him, he’s my boy. I just felt a complete and utter idiot for what I did,” said Mark. “When we got back to the caravan he had four packets of dinner and a pork pie and went to sleep.”

We’re so glad this story had a happy ending and that Fly is safe and sound!