Fethard RNLI rescues dog after 30ft fall from cliff

Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched at Fethard Dock and arrived on scene at 4.50pm where a Jack Russel had fallen 30-40 feet onto a bed of seaweed. Two local kayakers saw the dog in difficulty and raised the alarm.

Crew member Nadia Blanchfield made her way to the small beach at Poles Bay, recovered the dog, bringing her onboard the inshore lifeboat. Helm James Barry and Paddy O’Regan made up the full crew. Conditions were sunny with calm waters and a light easterly breeze.

Commenting about the call out Pat Wallace, Fethard RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘Today’s call out highlights how a leisurely walk on a sunny day can change quickly. It is always advisable to keep dogs on a lead near the cliffs and the water’s edge, and if your pet gets into difficulty, have a means to call for help and don’t attempt to follow them into difficulty.

‘The Hook Peninsula area has many beautiful cliff walks to be enjoyed, but accidents happen, so always carry a means to call 999/112 and ask for Coast Guard if you find yourself in difficulty.’

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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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