Missing dog reunited with owners after weekend boating accident on Ashley River

CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – A dog reported missing after a boating accident over the weekend has been safely reunited with its owners.

Rocky, a one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever, was thrown overboard after his owners found themselves in a boat wreck near Dolphin Cove Marina around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The owners said he was wearing a life jacket.

News of Rocky's disappearance quickly spread on social media and a community-wide search began.

“Teams of people were there at different times of the day, even when we couldn't be there,” Rocky's owner Kim Wiseman told News 2. “This experience really showed our family that 'There's always a sense of community when you need it.'

It ended Tuesday morning when a West Ashley family saw Rocky chasing a raccoon in their yard and recognized him as the missing animal, according to the Charleston Animal Society.

Wiseman said Rocky was muddy and had a swollen ankle when he was discovered, but suffered no serious injuries.

“We are extremely grateful because I truly, truly believe that it was a collective effort that brought Rocky home this morning,” she said.

Wiseman's husband was injured in the crash but is recovering, she added.