Dog sparks first lifeboat callout

A new lifeboat on Tyneside, bought after a donation from a benefactor, has been on its first rescue mission.

The "Mark Noble" was called out to search for a dog missing at sea off the coast at Marden.

Despite an hour-long search the animal could not be found, and the operation was called off.

An RNLI spokesman said that it was not uncommon for dog owners to try to rescue their pets and end up in difficulties themselves.

He said: "People might think that launching a lifeboat to search for a dog is a bit extreme, but we are a nation of animal lovers and it's very distressing to lose an animal in this way."

Tynemouth RNLI took delivery of the £29,000 boat in April. It replaced Cromer Smuggler, a D class vessel which had been in service since 1998.

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