Llandudno’s D class lifeboat launched on Saturday 13 April at 6.06 pm after receiving a call about a dog in the water near Pigeon's Cove on the Great Orme, with concerns the dog's owner may have also entered the water to try and rescue the dog.
The dedicated volunteer crew of four swiftly reached the scene at 6.11 pm and, aided by Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, located the struggling dog. Upon
seeing the lifeboat arrive on the scene, the owner managed to reach safety as the crew approached the dog, which was visibly struggling to stay afloat and trying to find any available ledge to cling onto on the cliff face.
The crew members managed to retrieve the dog, secure a lead on him, and slowly navigated back to the old slipway where members of Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team were ready to assist. The dog was wrapped in blankets to keep him warm and ensure its well-being.
Luke Heritage, RNLI crew member said: ‘The dog was visibly struggling when we arrived on scene and we’re glad we were able to safely retrieve Bruno.
‘Our advice is to never enter the water after you dog and try moving to a safe location and calling them in the first instance. If you are concerned, phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
An RNLI spokesperson said: ‘Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the RNLI lifeboat crew and Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, the dog was rescued and brought to safety, showcasing the dedication and compassion of our local emergency responders in protecting both humans and animals in need.’
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Luke Heritage, Llandudno Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07873 440661 / [email protected]. Alternatively contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] / 07977 728 315.
RNLI/Luke Heritage
Crew members Luke Heritage and Ralph Hughes after rescuing Bruno, the dog.
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.
