Passing police rescue drowning dog with just moments to spare

A cheeky springer spaniel would have almost certainly died if it wasn’t for an incredible coincidence at a Sydney bay on Saturday.

Cooper nearly drowned after following a group of seagulls on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

An ambitious dog that swam up to 200 metres across the ocean in pursuit of a group of seagulls would almost certainly have drowned if it weren’t for an incredible act of fate.

The springer spaniel, named Cooper, had been swimming towards a moored yacht in Gladesville’s Bedlam Bay, in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs, on Saturday when it ran into trouble.

According to NSW Police, the defenceless canine began swimming in circles as it tried desperately to avoid magpie-like swooping from the seagulls it had been following.

Cooper got himself into trouble after chasing seagulls into the ocean on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

As the dog grew increasingly fatigued while splashing about in the ocean, a considerable distance from land, its owners began to panic it wouldn’t make it out alive.

By some miraculous coincidence however, a Marine Area Command boat was passing the distressing scene at the perfect time and were waved down by the worried onlookers.

The officers, who initially thought it was a person was struggling to stay afloat, spotted the “tired and scared doggo” and dragged it onto their vessel.

They then delivered Cooper back safely to his parents, but not before posing for a photo.

The incredible rescue mission was shared to Facebook by NSW Police on Tuesday and sparked a huge response, with more than 2000 people commenting.

Cooper with his rescuers after being pulled from the water. Picture: NSW Police Force

“Typical spaniel, it’s in their breed. Gotta love them,” one person wrote.

“Well done guys. Thank you for looking after our furry friends as well as us,” another said. “Good work. Hope the doggie gave you kisses as well,” a third wrote.

The pooch’s owner also left a comment and shared a photo showing Cooper looking far more content than he did following Saturday’s ordeal.