Dog Swims Miles in San Francisco Bay, Saved by Drone Team

A small dog treading water miles from shore in San Francisco Bay got a second chance at life when first responders launched a dramatic rescue involving drones, boats, and perfect timing.

Prieta had been missing since the Fourth of July when someone called 911 to report a tiny dog running into the bay. The caller said she just kept swimming, heading farther from shore with every stroke.

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District and East Palo Alto Police Department immediately coordinated a rescue by air and sea. Crews first scanned the water with binoculars before deploying a drone to pinpoint Prieta's location.

The drone provided GPS coordinates that guided the rescue boat directly to the exhausted pup. Firefighter Tyler reached out and scooped Prieta from the water in one smooth motion, bringing her safely aboard.

The East Palo Alto Police Department later shared video of the rescue, joking that it "looked like something out of an action movie." Officers noted that Prieta had endured an "aerial assault by an organized gang of seagulls" while struggling to stay afloat, making the timing even more critical.

After being checked by animal control, the local SPCA reunited Prieta with the family that had been desperately searching for her for three weeks. The little dog was safe, dry, and finally home.

Sunny's Take

The story became even more touching when Prieta and her owner met the rescue team at a Menlo Park Fire Protection District board meeting. Firefighter Tyler, along with firefighters Seth, Dan, Carlos, Alex, and drone operator Tom, got to see the little dog thriving back where she belonged.

Prieta's owner became emotional as she thanked everyone who helped save her beloved companion. She shared that she had recently lost several close family members and had been heartbroken when she thought she had lost Prieta too.

For the rescue crews, seeing the pair reunited was the perfect reward.