Dog Rescued Miles Offshore After Hours-Long Search Brings Owners to Tears
SAN DIEGO, CA – A black Labrador named Sadie was dramatically rescued from the Pacific Ocean on 2025/12/06 at approximately 17:00 PST after drifting nearly three-quarters of a mile from the San Diego coastline. The accomplished recovery, spearheaded by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, culminated in an emotional reunion with Sadie’s owners, Alexis and Brandon, who expressed overwhelming gratitude for the tireless efforts of the search team.
The incident began when Sadie went missing, prompting a comprehensive search involving both land and sea resources. The remarkable rescue highlights the dedication of first responders and the enduring bond between humans and thier pets, offering a beacon of hope during the holiday season. Sadie’s survival against the odds underscores the resilience of Labrador Retrievers, known for their strength and affinity for water.
According to George Smerdon, a member of the San Diego Fire-rescue department, he and colleague Justin Alldredge deployed a watercraft to assist in the search. “We were out there, and then we launched the jet ski to help the search team,” Smerdon stated in a department-released video.
alldredge added, “We were searching for an hour. At that point, I just thought, ‘Please let us find this dog.'”
Smerdon emphasized that despite the passage of time, the rescue team remained optimistic, recognizing the inherent tenacity of black Labradors, which he described as ”fighters” and “water dogs.”
The search was nearing its conclusion, with the team positioned approximately three-quarters of a mile offshore, when Alldredge spotted something in the water. “We kept getting closer and closer, and then we realized it was her,” he recounted.
Smerdon confirmed Sadie appeared fatigued but was visibly overjoyed at the sight of her rescuers.
Alexis and Brandon subsequently recorded a video message expressing their profound recognition to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for Sadie’s safe return. They described the moment they learned Sadie was alive as deeply emotional, stating they would be “forever grateful.”
“We were just standing next to the man when he got the notification over the radio that they had found the dog. And we just held our breath,” Alexis shared.
Upon confirmation of Sadie’s well-being, Alexis said she and brandon “promptly burst into tears.”
Facts sourced from people.com.
