Ilfracombe RNLI rescue two people in attempt to save dog
Ilfracombe RNLI launched the inshore lifeboat at 3.26pm today, Tuesday 7th March.
To the aid of two people who had entered the water to try and save a dog who had fallen from the cliffs at the back of Capstone Hill in Ilfracombe.
There was a huge surge of sea driving the casualties onto the rocks, and they were in a vulnerable position.
The volunteer crew recovered the two people and the dog from the water.
One casualty required attention from paramedics.
Unfortunately the dog did not survive.
Leigh Hanks Inshore lifeboat helm said
'It is hugely commendable for someone to go to the aid of an animal, but we'd urge people not endanger themselves. Today the sea looked benign but the cold temperature and the large surge made a very harsh environment, on this occasion the casualties were fortunate as this could easily have been a far graver incident.'
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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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