A DOG had to be rescue by the coastguard after getting stranded in the sea while chasing seagulls.

Eastbourne RNLI was called into action at 6.20am on Monday after reports of a dog in difficulty.

The inshore lifeboat was launched to rescue the dog, which was about 100 metres off shore in Pevensey Bay.

“The lifeboat was launched due to the risk of persons entering the sea to retrieve the dog,” an RNLI Eastbourne spokesman said.

“Once on scene, the decision was made that our volunteer crew James Wishman enter the water and take the dog safely ashore.

“The three-year-old cocker spaniel was absolutely fine, having got in to difficulty chasing seagulls.”

Two days ago, a pregnant woman and a six-month-old baby were among 17 people rescued after getting stranded overnight on mudflats.

A total of 11 people in the group, who were from Hastings, were winched to safety by helicopter during the mission in Breydon Water, Norfolk, on Sunday, April 24.

Two dogs and a rabbit also had to be rescued after two cruisers ran aground in low tide.

The group of 17 all had to spend the night on the water before the early-morning rescue by Great Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI.