Moment Dog Who Fell Into Freezing Water Heroically Rescued From 8-ft Waves

Heroic Minnesota firefighters saved a dog struggling against 8-foot waves and freezing temperatures after falling into a canal.

The dog escaped its leash and jumped into the water near a bridge in Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior, at about 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, December 7.

According to a December 11 Duluth Fire Department (DFD) Facebook post, a woman threatened to jump in to save her dog and other bystanders needed to convince the owner not to go in.

"The dog was struggling in eight-foot plus waves in the middle of the ship canal," the fire department said.

According to AccuWeather, Duluth experienced temperatures as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit on December 7.

"Crew members entered the water in ice rescue suits that are designed to work in the extreme cold water and ice of Lake Superior," Duluth Fire Department said.

"Rescue 1 crew members fought their way through the waves to find the dog but were struggling to see him due to the large waves and limited light.

"The dog was also dark in color and kept slipping below the surface making him difficult to find. DFD personnel on the pier along with the dog's owner used portable lights and shouted directions to the crew to help locate the dog.

"The firefighters were finally able to get a hold of the dog by its collar but were not able to do much more against the heavy waves other than help keep him from going under again.

"The dog was large, scared, and was struggling which added to the difficulty. The crew and dog were being swept in towards the bay and as they were passing under the bridge Marine-3 [the department's inflatable rescue boat] arrived on scene. DFD crew members in the boat and in the water struggled in the waves but were able to get the dog and the firefighters into the boat."

Fortunately, the water was calmer when the boat was driven to the back side of the South Pier Inn and the dog was able to be reunited with his owners.

The dog was exhausted and was treated by DFD crews for exposure but soon showed significant signs of improvement.

He soon stopped shivering, was able to walk on his own, and was wagging his tail as he jumped into his owner's car.

Newsweek has contacted the DFD for comment via email and its Facebook page.

The DFD warned people not to jump into the water if they are in a similar situation, especially if they have no training or equipment to handle it.

"This will not only put you at risk but the emergency responders as well. It will also greatly limit the options we have to try to save your pet as all efforts will now be directed at saving you," the DFD said.

"Given the wave and temperature conditions in the canal last night, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would most likely have ended in tragedy."