Donate now

RNLI and Coastguard crews in Whitby rescue dog from rocks.

Lifeboats News Release

The inshore lifeboat was launched yesterday (Monday 23 January) after the dog got trapped in a hole.

RNLI/Barry Brown

The scene of the rescue was captured by Station Manager Barry Brown

Just after 2pm a call was made by the dog's owner who had had to scramble over rocks near the East Pier to avoid the incoming tide.

The dg was unable to walk over the rock armour so the owner made their way to an area with signal to call for help, but when they returned the dog was missing.

On arrival the Whitby Coastguard team began a search on foot assisted by Whitby RNLI's station mechanic, and the inshore lifeboat crew undertook a search of the water's edge.

After a short while searching the dog was located in a hole between the rocks by the Coastguard. The teams worked together to carefully retrieve the dog and managed to pass it between them into the waiting lifeboat.

The inshore lifeboat crew made a short trip around to the slipway in a more sheltered area of the harbour and reunited the dog with its owner.

Station mechanic Richard Dowson said: 'We often get asked why we go to rescue pets, primarily it is to make sure no one comes to any harm trying to rescue them. The rocks can be slippy and dangerous and we are well trained to make a safe rescue meaning the owner doesn't end up being injured. We are always happy to see a pet reunited with its owner and everyone safe.'

Richard urged all people enjoying the coast to be aware of the tide times. He said: 'The tide can come in a lot quicker than you expect, always make sure you've allowed plenty of time for leaving the beach safely as once the tide is in it is easy to become trapped.'

If you see anyone in trouble in or near the water dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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

RNLI/Barry Brown

The scene of the rescue was captured by Station Manager Barry Brown

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

Categories