Dog Rescued From 8-Foot Waves On Frigid Lake Superior

DULUTH, MN — Emergency crews rescued a dog from the icy 8-foot waves of Lake Superior after the pup jumped into the frigid waters in Duluth.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, when the pet escaped his leash and leapt into the lake near the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, according to authorities.

First responders found the people who called for help on the bridge’s south lakeside pier and the dog struggling in the ship canal, authorities said. Emergency personnel entered the water in ice rescue suits designed for extreme cold and eventually located the animal, despite the high waves and darkness, with assistance in the form of portable lights and directions from crews and the owner on the pier above, according to the Duluth Fire Department.

“The dog was large, scared and struggling which added to the difficulty,” authorities said in a news release.

A 14-foot inflatable rescue boat came to their aid and took the dog and rescuers to calmer waters, according to the department.

“The dog who was completely exhausted was reunited with his owners and was treated by DFD crews for exposure,” the news release said. “He had stopped shivering, was able to walk on his own and was [wagging] his tail as he jumped into his owner’s car.”

The owner was considering jumping in after her pet before crews arrived, according to the department.

“We have learned in the fire service that if we do not respond to help in these situations that bystanders and owners likely will take action on their own,” the news release said. “Given the wave and temperature conditions in the canal last night, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would most likely have ended in tragedy.”