RNLI Torbay celebrates dog rescue

To mark the occasion, Leyla and her owner Beverly Atkins visited the Torbay lifeboat station this week (Wednesday 19 December) to thank the volunteer crew for all they did and to report on Leyla’s progress since breaking her legs after her dramatic plunge.

Beverly Atkins, owner of Leyla said: ‘I can’t praise the RNLI highly enough. We were out enjoying a lovely walk at Berry Head when Leyla jumped onto the sea wall and over she went. We could see she was hurt but there was nothing we could do. I can’t tell you how relieved we were when the RNLI volunteers arrived and saved her from almost certain death.’

‘It turned out that Leyla has ruptured two of her ankles, but despite several operations she has made an amazing recovery. The RNLI Torbay crew were nothing short of fantastic.’

Ash McInally, RNLI Torbay’s Station Mechanic who helmed the Torbay Inshore Lifeboat on the day of the rescue in December 2018 said: ‘Beverly did exactly the right thing in calling the Coastguard. Owners who are worried about their dogs should never follow them into dangerous situations and instead call either 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.’

Notes to editors

A photo of Leyla and her owner Beverly Atkins with the RNLI Torbay Station Mechanic, Ash McInally who helmed the inshore lifeboat on the day of the rescue is attached. Higher resolution images are available from Shona Duncan 07778 002866.

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/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay

RNLI media contacts

Shona Duncan, RNLI Torbay Acting Lifeboat Press Officer 07778 002866 or [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer: 01752 854450 or [email protected]

or RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789 (24 hours)

Key facts about the RNLI

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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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.