A HEARTWARMING rescue unfolded at Martha Cove in Safety Beach on 25 March when a dog became trapped between rocks, drawing a swift response from the community. Emergency crews from State Emergency Service, Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police, and Fire Rescue Victoria worked together to free the three-year-old German Shepherd after responding to the incident just before 7pm.
Roxy had been on a walk with her family when she slipped and fell at the rock wall near the Safety Beach Sailing Club. Her head was only just above water as the tide was coming in. A local fisherman had tried to help the desperate family before emergency crews arrived. But getting the injured Roxy off the rocks, which create a breakwater for the entrance to Martha’s Cove, proved challenging as she was unable to walk after the two-hour rescue.
Light was also fading but just as a passing watercraft operator offered their help, the sore Roxy was unwilling to jump aboard. Another boat returning to the dock joined the rescue effort, this time moving his craft to the rocks next to the crews. Roxy, who was in their owner’s arms at this stage, was put on a stretcher before boarding the vessel and being returned safely to the dock.
CFA Commander Tony Ford said it was a great example of the community coming together to help strangers, “without question or hesitation”. “We really would like to thank the boat and jet ski operators for coming to the assistance of the rescue operation” he said. “And the good news is that Roxy was able to walk off the boat and jump in the family wagon waiting at the end of the pier.”
First published in the Mornington News – 1 April 2025
