Wick RNLI volunteers reunite injured puppy with her family after cliff rescue

Wick RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Roy Barker II launched at 10.31am following a request from HM Coastguard after reports that a man had become stranded at the bottom of a cliff while attempting to rescue his injured puppy, Skye.

With shore access limited and the tide rising, two volunteer crew members launched the lifeboat's XP rescue boat and went ashore alongside local Coastguard Rescue Teams. After assessing the situation, it was decided the safest and quickest option was to bring both the man and Skye off the shoreline by sea.

The pair were taken aboard the all-weather lifeboat before being landed safely at Wick Lifeboat Station, where they were reunited with waiting family and friends.

Thankfully, Skye's injuries appeared to be superficial and the puppy is now recovering at home after her unexpected adventure.

Volunteer Coxswain Ross Shields said: 'This was a real team effort between our crew and the local Coastguard Rescue Teams, leading to a successful rescue.

'Being called promptly gave us time to assess the situation safely. However, with an incoming tide, conditions could have deteriorated quickly if there had been any delay.

'We're all delighted to hear that Skye and her owner are both doing well after their morning's adventure. If you see anyone, or any animal, in difficulty on the coast, call 999 and ask for HM Coastguard as soon as possible.'

The volunteer crew washed down the lifeboat before making it ready for service again at 11.51am.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Emily Smith, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.