Swimming dog alerts rescue services to man's sunken boat

A fisherman noticed Heidi the German shepherd swimming among other flotsam, including a fuel tank, tackle box and a wetsuit, around 6am yesterday.

The dog was retrieved from the water, and rescue services swung into action, finding a trail of flotsam believed to have been on a boat.

The dog’s owner eventually was found about 10.25am after an extensive search involving QGAir Helicopter Rescue 500, four police vessels, Marine Safety Queensland jet skis, Volunteer Marine Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue, clinging to the bow of a sunken 4.1-metre tinny near the Brisbane boat passage.

The 63-year-old skipper told police the boat had lost power the previous evening, and had started to take on water before eventually sinking.

“Amazingly, Heidi had been treading water for around 11 hours while her owner drifted in Moreton Bay for nearly 15 hours,” Queensland Police said in a statement.

The man was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured.

Once rescued, Brisbane Water Police Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow fed Heidi and gave her a rest in the air-conditioned comfort of the police station until she was reunited with her owner.

“We would take this opportunity to remind boaties to plan for the worst when they’re out on the water,” Sen Sgt Bairstow said.

“Always wear a personal flotation device and ensure that your safety equipment, including EPIRBs, are tested and in good order,” he said.

“Thankfully there was a happy ending to this search and Heidi was able to be our honorary PD for the day.”