A dramatic New Year's Day rescue in the United States saw a brave firefighter crawl across a frozen pond to save a stranded dog. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday 1 January 2026, involved a golden retriever named Phoenix who had fallen through thin ice.
Peril on the Pond
The emergency began during a morning walk near Little Masachaug Pond in Rhode Island. Phoenix, the golden retriever, ventured onto the ice, which gave way, plunging the animal into the frigid water. The dog's owner raised the alarm, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.
Volunteer crews from both the Misquamicut and Watch Hill fire departments rushed to the scene. Recognising the extreme danger of the situation, where the unstable ice could fracture further, they deployed specialised ice-rescue protocols.
The Heroic Crawl to Safety
One firefighter, equipped with a protective ice-rescue suit, took to the ice. Instead of walking, which could concentrate weight and cause more cracking, he carefully crawled on his stomach to distribute his weight evenly across the hazardous surface.
This painstaking approach allowed him to reach the struggling Phoenix. Securing the frightened animal, he then carefully navigated the return journey, bringing the golden retriever back to the safety of the shore. The entire tense operation was captured on video.
A Viral Happy Ending
Miraculously, Phoenix was unharmed from the ordeal and was swiftly reunited with its relieved owner. The footage of the dramatic rescue, showcasing the firefighter's courage and technique, quickly spread online, capturing hearts worldwide.
The incident serves as a stark seasonal reminder of the dangers posed by frozen bodies of water, even when the ice appears solid. The successful outcome highlights the vital training and specialised equipment possessed by fire and rescue teams for such precarious scenarios.
