Lost dog found alive 36 hours after boating accident

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC/Gray news) - A dog was found alive and reunited with his family 36 hours after being in a boating accident in South Carolina.

On Sunday, Jeff Wiseman and his golden retriever Rocky went out for a boat ride on the Ashley River.

Jeff Wiseman said he got distracted by his phone and accidentally hit an abandoned concrete dock, launching himself and Rocky in the water.

“It was just a moment of real careless boating that almost cost us,” he said.

Jeff Wiseman said he swam to shore looking for Rocky, but could not find him.

Authorities arrived at the scene to help look for Rocky and escort Jeff Wiseman, who had seven broken ribs, to the hospital.

“My fear was that he was hurt or injured, you know that he was suffering somewhere or dead,” Jeff Wiseman said. “I mean, the grief and guilt you feel when a moment of your carelessness might have hurt or killed you and your buddy like that.”

Jeff Wiseman’s wife Kim Wiseman quickly posted on Facebook asking boaters to keep an eye out for Rocky, and it was shared around the community.

“I don’t think we even realized the scope of how far that the news has spread,” she said. I mean, just blown away. Blown away on how far it had been shared and how many people were out looking for him.”

Jeff Wiseman said people were on jet skis, kayaks and boats to look for Rocky.

“They had drones everywhere, and when they didn’t see him in the water that actually gave us some hope that maybe he made it to land,” he said.

About 36 hours later, Rocky was spotted on the opposite side of the river chasing after a raccoon on a dock.

“We can’t believe it. We were really bracing for the worst, and this is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” Kim Wiseman said.

The Wisemans said the lifejacket Rocky was wearing saved his life.

“Everyone is talking about how they’re going to go online and order life vests for their dogs. That’s a great lesson to take away from this,” Kim Wiseman said.

Rocky is now home with an injured ankle and is completely exhausted but is recovering well.

The Wisemans said they are thankful for everyone who spread the word about Rocky and helped them find him.

They hope their story can inspire more dog owners to get lifejackets and promote boater safety.

“We would never have anticipated or imagined just how the community, how the Lowcountry came together and rallied for Rocky,” Kim Wiseman said. “They didn’t know us, they didn’t know Rocky, but everyone seemed to come together to save one little dog. That’s been so heartwarming, and we’re just incredibly grateful.”

Copyright 2024 WCSC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.