The picturesque coastal town of Barendorf in Germany's Lübeck Bay attracts holidaymakers with its pristine, fine sandy beaches and unspoilt natural beauty.
But for one Cocker Spaniel owner, what started out as a relaxing Sunday evening by the sea turned into a heart-stopping drama within seconds!
Seagull temptation
A seagull circling innocently over the water became an irresistible temptation for the dog.
His hunting instincts kicked in - and in that moment, he could only focus on one thing. Without hesitation, the frantic pup slipped away from his owner and plunged into the Baltic Sea.
The seagull flew further and further out to sea, with the dog following blindly behind. His owner watched on in horror, unsure how to help her four-legged friend.
Without thinking, she threw herself into the sea to save him. Her desperate rescue attempt quickly became a life-threatening situation for the woman herself, who struggled to keep afloat.
Beachgoers raise the alarm
Other visitors on the beach watched in horror as the drama unfolded before their eyes. They alerted police, and the water police from Travemünde responded to the emergency call. The professional rescue team knew that in these terrifying situations, minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
About 500 metres from shore, the emergency services spotted the brave woman and her dog, quickly bringing them to safety.
Thankfully both owner and dog made a quick recovery from their ordeal, arriving back on the beach unharmed.
