Sidmouth Lifeboat launched for its first callout in a month after a dog became separated from his owners on Beer Beach.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Lifeboat was called to Beer on WednesdaySidmouth Lifeboat was called to Beer on Wednesday (Image: Archant)

Benjee had been swept around King Isle onto a rocky stretch of beach that was inaccessible due to the tide at around 3pm on Wednesday.

Lifeboat crews worked alongside Beer and Sidmouth’s coastguard crews to locate the spaniel-terrier cross, whose owners were a couple visiting from Aylesbeare.

One crewman swam ashore against the rising tide and spent some time coaxing a very scared Benjee back onto his lead.

A Sidmouth Lifeboat spokesman said: “Benjee was uninjured but a little nervous so a long game of catch the dog started which ended with the crewman winning and securing the dog on a lead.

“After a clamber back to the beach the dog was then swum back out the lifeboat and then reunited with its owners on the beach.

“The lifeboat returned to station and was back on service at 5.30pm.

“It was a very worthy shout and highlights the importance of not going in after your pet. Call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”