Whitby RNLI reunite dog with owners after cliff fall into sea.

The volunteer crews at Whitby RNLI were paged yesterday (Friday 13th August) after a report came in that a dog had fallen from the cliffs above Saltwick Bay to the south of Whitby.

The smaller inshore lifeboat was launched which is capable of searching close to the shore and rocks, with three crew on board.

Thankfully the dog landed in water which broke its fall, which was approximately 25-30ft. The crew quickly located the dog who had scrambled onto rocks out of the water.

Crew member Ally Brisby entered the water and swam to the rocks to retrieve the stranded dog. She said: 'The dog was a little cautious as I approached but once she realised I was a friend she relaxed and I was able to pass her to Josh on the inshore lifeboat.'

'She had a few cuts and grazes to her hind legs, but seemed in good spirits so we are hopeful she hasn't sustained any serious injuries. I have a dog of my own with the same name, Willow, so was relieved to find her safe and well,'

The inshore lifeboat made its way to the beach where the owners were waiting with the Whitby coastguard crews who had also been involved in the search.
They were thrilled to be reunited with the spaniel and took her to the vets to be checked over.

Helm of the inshore lifeboat Andy Cass said: 'We were pleased to find the dog safe and well, we respond to these kind of call outs as we know how much a part of the family the animals are and we don't want anyone to get themselves in danger trying to rescue them themselves.

Advice we would give to walkers on the cliff is to keep even the most well trained dogs on a lead and keep well away from the edge where possible. If your dog does get into trouble always alert the Coastguard by calling 999.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

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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