A puppy was swept over a 150ft waterfall and saved by a hero bystander, who swam through torrents to retrieve him.

The Golden Retrieve had been playing with his family when he lost his footing and was pulled away by fast-moving rapids in Champasak, Laos.

Dramatic footage shows the helpless canine being carried away by the current as tourists watched in shock.

The pup plunged down the 150ft tall Tad Yuang Waterfall and disappeared into the swirling pool below.

Concerned visitors joined the search and hiked downstream and eventually spotted the dog trapped in a corner.

However, the force of the water was too strong for him to climb onto land. And he had learned his lesson not to venture into the water, standing in fear on the bank.

But without hesitation, a man who watched the ordeal unfold fought the deadly currents to reach the frightened pooch.

The Good Samaritan clutched the frightened dog and guided him back to shore, where he was reunited with his relieved owner.

Onlooker Rungnapa Khunkhew said: ‘I do not know who they were. The dog was playing in the water and fell. We were all shocked.

‘We were relieved when the kind man came to the rescue. He was so brave.'