Dogs are always getting into something. Whether it’s hopping fences, sneaking into a neighbor’s BBQ, or chasing after things they shouldn’t, their curiosity leads them into the wildest situations. But sometimes, their little adventures turn serious, and that’s when they really need us to step in.
This is exactly what happened to two pups off the coast of Iquique, Chile.
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They were stranded on an abandoned boat
For over a year, the two dogs somehow survived on a tiny, deserted boat off the coast of Iquique, Chile — dealing with crazy heat, barely any supplies, and no fresh water. Things got especially bad during their last week, when they were completely alone with no help in sight.
No one knows how they managed to survive for so long. But just when it seemed hopeless, a group of rescuers stepped in and changed everything.
No one knows exactly how the dogs ended up on the boat
The details of how these dogs got stranded in the first place are still a mystery. Officials tried reaching out to the boat’s owner multiple times but got no response.
Then, after the rescue was already done, the owner finally showed up — but didn’t explain how the dogs had ended up there or why they had been left alone for so long.
Rescue efforts were led by a determined team
A group of rescuers from Patitas del Desierto shelter, the Chilean Navy, and local maritime police worked together to pull off a difficult rescue. The person who led the mission described the moment they set out to save them:
“I told them that I would go after them the day I went to the dock, that I would move mountains, and I did it with determination and attitude. Without fear of being successful and with the help of a corporal, there they were waiting, happy to want to get off that boat.
“I feel happy because I did everything to get these dogs out of there, and because tonight I will sleep calmer — and so will they.”
The boat’s conditions made survival difficult
The boat was tiny, barely 12 meters long. There wasn’t much protection from the harsh sun, and the conditions were rough.
The dogs had no food or fresh water for nearly a week
For almost a full week before being rescued, the dogs had nothing to eat or drink. Their only water supply was a container filled with algae-infested water, which was likely dirty and unsafe for long-term survival, showing just how bad their situation had gotten.
Rescue efforts faced serious challenges
The rescue wasn’t easy. The area was tricky to navigate, making things risky for the team. “It was a complex rescue because there were a lot of mesh at the bottom of the sea, and we could have been stranded, damaging the engine — but we did it anyway.” Despite the dangers, they pushed through and got the dogs to safety.
Authorities had tried to contact the boat’s owner
Officials knew about the dogs and tried reaching out to the boat’s owner, but they got no response.
The Navy stepped in after six days of waiting
After nearly a week of waiting for the owner to step up, the Chilean Navy decided they couldn’t wait any longer. Captain of the Port of Iquique, Ricardo Cáceres, explained:
“On Monday or Tuesday, we received a complaint regarding some dogs that were abandoned on a boat. We tried to contact the owner on Wednesday and Thursday, but the person never arrived at the port captaincy.
“After almost six days, we decided to carry out the rescue. As the boat was far from the coast, the Navy had to use a vessel to approach and remove them.”
The boat owner came forward after the rescue
Shockingly, the boat owner showed up — but not until after the rescue was already done. “After we rescued the puppies, the owner went to the port captaincy, where he actually had the two animals registered. We also issued a summons to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for mistreatment of the animals,” Cáceres said.
The dogs received immediate care upon rescue
Once they were finally on solid ground, the dogs got the care they desperately needed — food, medical treatment, and a safe place to rest.
“Finally, they are on dry land now in our shelter. They have already eaten, they are resting, and hopefully, the people who said they had a temporary home for them will arrive on Monday with what they promised. In the meantime, they will stay at the shelter until they are sterilized by the veterinarian.”
One of the dogs was found to be pregnant
The rescue took a surprising turn when it was discovered that one of the dogs, a female, was pregnant. For now, both dogs are still under the care of Patitas del Desierto while authorities figure out what comes next.
“For now, the dogs are in the care of the foundation that was part of the rescue, ‘Patitas,’ awaiting the decision of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether the animals will be returned to their owner,” Cáceres explained.
The dogs are safe but awaiting a permanent home
As of now, the dogs are still staying with the Loreto Patitas del Desierto Foundation. They don’t have a permanent home yet, but hopefully, they’ll get to stay together for good.
