RNLI Torbay crew rescue dog which fell 40 feet, breaking 3 legs
The RNLI Torbay volunteer lifeboat crew was called to assist in the rescue of a six-year old Border Collie who had gone over the cliff at Roundham Head (Paignton) and fallen some forty feet to the shoreline below.
The incident, which happened around 9.30pm on Sunday 18 June, was further complicated when three youths went to assist the dog owner, and all casualties then found themselves at risk of being cut off by the incoming tide at Savage Hole as dusk fell.
The RNLI Torbay inshore lifeboat crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist and were able to recover the youths safely to the shore at Fairy Cove as darkness fell. The Border Collie, which had unfortunately broken three legs in the fall, was then retrieved by the RNLI volunteer crew using the special Coastguard ‘dog bag’ and safely transferred (along with its owner) to Paignton Harbour and the waiting HM Coastguard team.
One of the RNLI volunteer crew members involved reported that the injured dog was extremely brave and calm, barely making a sound despite sustaining such serious injuries. The dog and owner were in Torbay on holiday from the Somerset area, and - following emergency treatment with a local vet - subsequently returned home to obtain further veterinary care. The RNLI understands that the Border Collie is now thankfully recovering from its ordeal.
- Photograph 1 shows the RNLI Torbay inshore lifeboat crew approaching the dog and owner on the rocky shoreline just before dusk
- Photograph 2 shows the volunteer inshore lifeboat crew carefully placing the injured Collie into the lifeboat (contained in the HM Coastguard ‘dog bag’) as darkness fell
Photo credits: RNLI Torbay
Notes to editors
Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:
- Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
- Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle
- Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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