
RNLI Fishguard volunteer crew launch to assist stranded dog
The inshore lifeboat was launched Tuesday 24 January following a report of a missing dog which was believed to have fallen having strayed from the coast path.
The charity’s D-Class lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson launched at 10.20am into calm winds at the request of HM Coastguard.
After arriving on scene, the volunteer crew from RNLI Fishguard conducted a shoreline search of the most recent known location of the dog, a black Labrador.
Following a short search one of the volunteer crew saw the dog on a ledge amongst undergrowth approximately halfway down the cliff face.
As a member of the local coastguard cliff rescue team was descending the dog made its way further down towards the shore. Station mechanic Chris Thomas was put ashore by the inshore lifeboat. He managed to secure and calm the dog which was then transferred to the care of the coastguard and winched to the top of the cliff/ Once at the top it was checked over by a veterinarian.
The lifeboat returned to station for refuelling and was ready for service again at 13.10pm.
Chris Thomas, Fishguard RNLI mechanic, said:
‘Fortunately, the dog only sustained minor injuries and with the help of our local coastguard team we were able to return the dog to safety. We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care when enjoying the area, particularly keeping dogs on leads when near cliff edges.
If you did find yourself in a similar situation, our advice is always to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to Editors:
· The attached photo shows RNLI inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson conducting a search for the missing dog. (Tuesday 24 January). Credit Julia Lewis
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Media Officer Claire Elshaw on [email protected] / 07468 353082
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.