The U.S. Coast Guard ice rescue team swam 200 meters through freezing waters in Frankfort, Mich. to save a dog in distress Tuesday morning.
Petty Officer Tim Putnam told ABC News that the Coast Guard members by chance saw the Labrador jump into Lake Betsie. The rescue crew then rushed to get into their dry suits and save the dog.
That is one lucky pup.
The 20-minute-long rescue was “exhausting and difficult,” Putnam said.
“There were a lot of heavy chunks and plates of ice I had to move around to get to the dog, who seemed shook up and shivering.”
Despite freezing temperatures and several icy obstacles, the team was able to carry the dog to safety.
Following the rescue, the Labrador, named Bailey, was immediately wrapped up in a blanket and sent to Benzie County Animal Shelter for care.
“The doctor said she was very fortunate to be alive and OK, because she didn’t have much time,” Putnam said.
The rescue team sought out the dog’s owner, who, it turned out, was unaware of where he had gone.
“The owner saw her dog early in the morning, and then it was just gone,” Putnam told ABC. “We discovered the dog traveled over eight miles to the lake.”
Thanks to these brave men and women, Bailey can now go home safe and sound.
Check out footage from the Rescue Cam below: