Inshore lifeboat launches to assist in rescue of a dog stuck on cliff

The inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched with four volunteer crew aboard in to lively seas and headed across Swanage Bay to see what assistance they could offer.

Once on scene the dog could be heard barking but conditions weren't suitable for landing crew ashore to investigate. The Coastguard teams above were rigging ropes to lower a technician over the cliff so the ILB remained on scene to illuminate the area as best they could and provide safety cover at the base of the cliff.

After a couple of hours of trying to locate the dog the decision was taken to stand down all units and resume in daylight, as it was not possible to safely reach the dog that was running across a large area of the cliff face.

As the Coastguard team were leaving the area the dog was seen running through Ballard Estate and heading towards the town! Reports on social media later in the evening indicated that the dog had made its own way safely home which is great news.

ILB Crew: (Helm) Tom Greasty, Matthew Steeden, Becky Mack, Andy Redout
Shore Crew: (Head Launcher) Gavin Steeden, Emily Condie, Ben Bamber

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 142,700 lives.

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