Video: Adventurer halts 600-mile challenge to save dog stranded on rocks

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An animal-loving paddle boarder halted his 600-mile challenge to row from Cornwall to London to save a little stranded on rocks in the middle of the sea.

Charlie Head was off the Kent coast, almost on the last stretch of his gruelling bid, when he spotted the Shih Tzu - and changed his course to save it.

The dog, called Bam Bam, would have been submerged by rising tides within 10 minutes, the extreme rower said.

According to The Sun, Charlie, who caught the whole thing on his helmet camera, said: : "I was gobsmacked. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"He was just sat there wondering what the hell to do. He was absolutely terrified.

"In about ten minutes the rock would have been covered with water. I managed to paddle out to him and then get him on my board.

"He was terrified when I picked him up but I think he soon realised I was trying to help.

"And when he felt safe he snuggled up between my legs and we headed back to shore. It is incredible that he was able to get out there - this is not a big tough dog."

Twitter/Charlie Head

On the video, Charlie can be heard saying: "He's just sat out there like a little dude, wondering what to do.

"He definitely needs a rescue - in about ten minutes he'll be completely covered in water."

Charlie rescued Bam Bam on Monday whilst finishing his rowing challenge, which he undertook in preparation for a 3,000-mile trip across the Atlantic in a one-man rowing boat in two months' time.

Back on dry land, the dog was taken to the nearby Hampton Inn pub, where landlord Stuart MacKenzie took it under his wing and barmaid Chelsea Clark wrapped him up.

She told the Daily Mail: "He was stranded on the furthest rock out.

"He would definitely have drowned as there was no way to get back and the tide was coming in."

She added that she planned to keep Bam Bam if the Shih Tzu's owner isn't traced.

Canterbury City Council spokesman Rob Davies said: "We are trying to contact the owner. For the meantime Bam-Bam is safe at the Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary."

Charlie added: "It was great to help the little dog. Hopefully the good deed will bring me a little luck and help me complete the rest of the challenges."