German Shepherd Miraculously Survives Five Weeks In The Pacific Ocean

Luna was miraculously spotted on San Clemente Island, a Navy-owned training base

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• July 23, 2023

A surprising tale of survival unfolds off the coast of San Diego, California, as a German Shepherd named Luna, initially reported missing two miles from San Clement Island, was discovered alive and well after an astonishing five weeks!

Luna was on a commercial fishing trip with her owner, Nick Haworth, when she unexpectedly tumbled overboard. Once her owner realized her absence, he reported her disappearance. Despite thorough searches conducted over two days in the surrounding waters by her owner and a week-long search on the island by Navy staff, Luna was unfortunately assumed lost after no trace of her was found.

Remarkably, after more than a month, Luna was spotted on San Clemente Island, a Navy-owned training base situated 70 miles off San Diego. As it turned out, Luna had not been adrift in the ocean all this time, but instead, she had managed to swim her way to the island.

The news that Luna had not only reached the island but also survived for a whole five weeks is nothing short of a miracle! It brings immense joy to know that she found her way to safety and managed to fend for herself during this time.

Sending blessings to Luna and expressing gratitude to those who played a part in her rescue! The protective hand of providence was indeed watching over Luna throughout this entire ordeal!

Luna was on a commercial fishing trip with her owner, Nick Haworth, when she unexpectedly tumbled overboard. Luna was unfortunately assumed lost after no trace of her was found.

Remarkably, after more than a month, Luna was spotted on San Clemente Island, a Navy-owned training base situated 70 miles off San Diego.

Dogs, in general, are capable swimmers due to their natural doggy paddle instinct. However, their swimming abilities can vary significantly depending on factors like their breed, body shape, and individual comfort with water.

Some breeds have been specifically bred for water work and are exceptionally strong swimmers.

Among the best swimmers are:

1. Labrador Retriever: They were originally bred as fishing dogs in Newfoundland, and their webbed feet, water-resistant coat, and muscular build make them natural and excellent swimmers.
2. Newfoundland: These dogs were also bred to be water rescue dogs. They have a large, muscular body, webbed feet, and a thick coat that helps them stay warm in cold water.
3. Portuguese Water Dog: As the name suggests, these dogs were bred for aquatic tasks. They are excellent swimmers and divers, thanks to their webbed feet and robust bodies.
4. English Setter: English Setters are known for their swimming prowess and their love of water, often used in waterfowl hunting.
5. Irish Water Spaniel: Known for their distinctive "rat tail" which is bare compared to their curly coat, these dogs are excellent swimmers and were used historically for water retrieval.
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever: These dogs were bred to recover waterfowl from the chilly waters of the Chesapeake Bay and are known for their strength, endurance, and excellent swimming abilities.

Watch the video here:

German Shepherds can be good swimmers. They are strong, athletic, and have a natural instinct to paddle in water. They have a double coat that can help them stay warm in cooler waters, and their strong legs can make them efficient in the water.

Luckily, this dog's natural instincts kicked in, and she was able to swim to safety.

Damjan