NANTUCKET, Mass. (WJAR) — A fishing captain and his crew rescued a golden retriever caught in a current off Nantucket on Wednesday, according to the Nantucket Harbor Master’s Office.
The office received a call from dispatch at about 12:50 p.m. reporting a dog in trouble off Codfish Park.
Nantucket police sent a crew to locate the dog, while the Harbor Master’s Office mobilized a team with a kayak, rescue board, two lifeguards and retrieval equipment.
The harbor master also contacted Bob DaCosta to ask whether anyone fishing nearby could help. DaCosta reached Corey Gamel, who then contacted fellow captain Bill Tolstead.
Tolstead and his crew interrupted their fishing trip to search for the dog, according to the office.
People on the beach waved the crew toward the area where the dog was swimming. The crew located the golden retriever, safely pulled it aboard and brought it back to shore.
A fishing captain and his crew rescued a golden retriever caught in a current off Nantucket on Wednesday Oct. 5, 2026, according to the Nantucket Harbor Master’s Office. (Nantucket Harbor Master’s Office)
The Harbor Master’s Office credited the rescue to quick communication and teamwork among emergency responders and members of the island’s maritime community.
“When there is someone — or something — in trouble on the water, people come together, communicate, and help,” the office wrote in a social media post.
The office thanked DaCosta, Gamel, Tolstead and everyone involved for helping bring the dog to safety.