By Lesley Walsh
THE LIFESAVING heroes of the Bangor Coastguard have made their first rescue of 2026 – swooping into Groomsport to save man’s best friend.
One year-old Harvey the dachshund got into difficulty when he slipped down a steep gully along the coastal path at Orlock on Tuesday. When his short legs were unable to help him save himself, the Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team swung into action and launched their first rescue bid of the new year.
A statement on social media from Harvey’s heroes said: “The casualty was unable to self-rescue and was in a difficult position – in a gully, surrounded by steep ground with the tide coming in.
“Team members made their way to the scene, established safe systems of work and carried out a careful extraction from the gully using specialist equipment.
“Once recovered, the casualty was checked over, reunited with their very relieved owners and no further assistance was required.”
Confirming the identity of 2026’s first rescue, the post concluded that it was a ‘happy ending all round’ and made its traditional clarion call to the public – never to hesitate to call the Coastguard.
“Thanks to Harvey’s owners who made the right decision and called the Coastguard rather than attempting a rescue themselves.”
