On Sunday January 4 the Coastguard sighted a dog in the river about a quarter of a mile from the harbour mouth; once again, the owner was trying to rescue it. The afternoon was overcast and wintry, with a fresh to strong breeze blowing from the northand rough seas. At the request of the Coastguard, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's Atlantic 21 was launched with Helmsman Colin Staples in command.

However, when the lifeboat arrived on scene the man had succeeded in rescuing his dog and both were safely on land..