Leanne's lucky rescue

Clinging to an esky and her beloved dog Sergie while treading water for two hours, there was no guarantee Leanne Rattray would survive.

After becoming separated from partner Ian Kaye after their kayak had capsized in King George Sound, her rescue would be the third in a day for the Albany Sea Rescue Squad.

The eventful New Year’s Eve in 2013, that had earlier involved the rescue of a windsurfer clinging to rocks near Skippy Reef, would only become more challenging as three crews battled deteriorating conditions and uncertainty of the couple’s location.

"All we knew was that there were two people in a canoe," squad boat captain Chris Johns recalled this week.

"As soon as we got out there, I realised this is way too bloody serious."

One rescue crew located Mr Kaye almost 90 minutes after an emergency call was first made.

His path to his location at Ledge Beach was retraced and Ms Rattray was found 15 minutes later clinging to the upturned esky.

The daring multi-agency rescue of the Perth tourists and the windsurfer saw Albany Sea Rescue Squad again honoured at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Awards last weekend.

Their local knowledge and planning throughout the incident was again praised as they received the award for excellence in group operations.

While the Perth couple were thankful for their efforts, Mr Johns said it was the determination of Ms Rattray that resulted in the successful rescue.

"She was tearing up because we saved her life," he said.

"She couldn’t get over how we saved their lives and they owed us everything," he said.

"However, I think she is a legend. To be alone out there for a couple of hours and survive and tread water and holding a bloody dog that all it wants to do is walk on your head, I think was amazing.

"She was one tough lady — that is no mean feat."

It is the third time the squad has received the award after being recipients in 2009 and 2011.

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