Bay miracle: Jack Russell survives Altona sinking

A dog left for dead on a sinking boat off Altona this morning has been found alive.

The owner, 75, abandoned the tinny and jumped on a passing boat about 6.30am this morning.

The Jack Russell was feared drowned, but when water police retrieved the boat and brought it to shore, they discovered the Jack Russell alive in an air pocket.

Acting senior sergeant Andrew Lilly told 3AW News ‘luck was certainly on the little dog’s side’.

‘The vessel was overturned and in the water for a good hour or so,’ he said, before adding a warning for boaters.

‘When conditions turn bad, they turn bad quick.’