Floating dog a hardy tsunami survivor

A dog found floating on the roof of a house that washed away in Japan's devastating tsunami has been rescued after three weeks at sea.

The Japanese Coast Guard spotted the dog standing on the roof of a house caught in an island of debris off the northeast coast of Japan near Kesennuma.

The dog was frightened by the helicopter and hid under the roof.

Rescuers descended on to the debris pile and tried to open a hole in the tiles to pull the dog out.

But the helicopter ran out of fuel before rescuers could reach the frightened animal.

A nearby Coast Guard boat took over the rescue attempt and eventually saved the dog several hours later.

Rescuers are hoping the dog will be able to lead them to its owners.

- AGENCIES