Ilfracombe RNLI volunteers rescue Oscar the dog after cliff fall
On Sunday 23 July just before 7pm, the RNLI received a call for help after a dog had fallen from the cliffs on the Woolacombe side of Morte Point.
The Ilfracombe inshore lifeboat, Deborah Brown II, was initially launched, but as the weather and sea conditions near the casualty's location were rough, the decision was made to launch the all-weather lifeboat, The Barry and Peggy High Foundation, to ensure the safety of the inshore lifeboat crew.
The inshore lifeboat crew located the dog, named Oscar, trying to scamper back up the cliff towards his owners, but unfortunately it was too steep for him to climb as he'd fallen approximately 12m down the cliff. Two volunteer crew members went ashore and carried him back onto the inshore lifeboat, then transferred him onto the all-weather lifeboat.
Oscar seemed none the worse for his fall and was returned to Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station where he waited patiently for his owners, who were relieved and grateful for his safe return.
Inshore lifeboat Helmsman Stuart Carpenter said: 'It was a good call with a great outcome. The owners promptly called for help and sensibly waited for assistance from us. If you do need help to rescue your pet, please call for assistance rather than endangering yourself.'
Oscar, aged 3, said he had been enjoying playing in Woolacombe whilst on holiday, slipped his collar and it turned into a 'ruff' day, but was very grateful to his new friends at Ilfracombe RNLI.
RNLI notes to editors
The enclosed photo shows Oscar the dog with the Ilfracombe RNLI volunteer crew after being rescued from cliffs at Woolacombe. Please credit RNLI/Ilfracombe.
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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