Coastguards lower dog owner down Dorset cliff to rescue pet

Coastguards lower dog owner down Dorset cliff to rescue pet

A dramatic rescue unfolded near Charmouth, Dorset, when coastguards were called upon to save a cocker spaniel named Luna after the dog fell approximately 40 meters down a cliff at Stonebarrow. Luna was found running anxiously around the rocky terrain, refusing to approach the rescue team’s rope technician. To safely retrieve her, rescuers lowered Luna’s owner down the cliff by rope, allowing her to comfort the dog and assist in securing Luna into a specialized animal rescue bag.

The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort between personnel from three coastguard bases—including those from Beer, West Bay, and Lyme Regis—and firefighters from Charmouth and Weymouth fire stations. According to a statement by the Beer Coastguard Rescue Team on Facebook, the incident began around 13:00 GMT on Friday, with the teams responding promptly to the emergency. Despite the fall, Luna was unharmed, but her cautious behavior on the cliff made the recovery challenging.

Firefighters played a crucial role in facilitating the owner’s descent to the large plateau where Luna was waiting. Once the owner reached her pet, Luna immediately calmed down and allowed the rescue specialists to secure her safely. Such cliff rescues involving dogs have become frequent enough that emergency services now conduct dedicated training exercises to prepare for these specific scenarios.

The coastguard has used the occasion to issue a reminder to pet owners about the risks of allowing dogs to run free near cliff edges. Keeping dogs on leads can prevent dangerous falls and reduce the need for complex rescue operations. Luna’s safe return was ensured by teamwork and expert coordination between the coastguard teams and fire crews, with the dog ultimately carried back to safety in the animal rescue bag

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