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Night time launch for Plymouth RNLI volunteers in dog rescue

Lifeboats News Release

Plymouth RNLI’s volunteer crew launched on the evening of Tuesday 6th January to assist HM Coastguard colleagues rescue a Jack Russell, which had fallen from a high riverbank at Warleigh Point, in Plymouth.

A photo showing a searchlight being shone onto water in the dark, being used by the Plymouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat volunteer crew during a rescue.

Photo Credit RNLI / Plymouth RNLI

Plymouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat volunteers using a night searchlight during a rescue.
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The charity’s inshore lifeboat, Annabel E Jones, arrived quickly on the scene to join Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team to rescue the dog just before 8pm.

With the assistance of the Coastguard and spotlights, the crew were able to find it on a ledge. Once on board the lifeboat, the crew were able to safely return the Jack Russell to its owner.

They then returned to the station, ready for the next service after their 5th shout in 2026.

Will Roberts, ILB Helm said: ‘Locating the dog was made easier by the presence of the Coastguard Rescue team on shore. We were delighted to find the dog safe and well, although a little cold and wet, then reunite him with his owner. The owners did the right thing by calling for help. If you ever see someone – and that includes an animal – in trouble on the coast then please call 999 and ask for Coastguard.'

The RNLI offers the following safety advice for dog walking:
  • Keep your dog on a lead if you're close to cliff edges or the water’s edge.
  • If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don’t go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could get out easily and call them – they will probably get out by themselves.
  • If you’re worried your dog can't get out, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • Find out more at: rnli.org/topdog
Notes to editors:
Photos
  • Plymouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat volunteers using a night searchlight during a rescue.
    Photo Credit RNLI / Plymouth RNLI
Information
Plymouth is a busy station based in the Old Custom House at Millbay Marina Village, Plymouth Lifeboat Station has two lifeboats, an all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones.

To find out more about Plymouth lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/plymouth-lifeboat-station

Plymouth RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/PlymouthRNLI

RNLI media contacts
  • Darren Blight, Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station on 07984 399860 or [email protected]
  • Katie O’Neill, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station 07934 879703 or email [email protected]
  • Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847or [email protected]
  • Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807or [email protected]
  • RNLI Duty Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the authors

Katie O'Neill
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth
Darren Blight

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