A dog who plunged from a coastal path and became trapped on rocks surrounded by rough water has been rescued by Ilfracombe’s volunteer lifeboat crew.
The inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after 4pm on Friday, May 15, after Mullacott Coastguard Search and Rescue team found the dog stranded at the back of Capstone.
The dog had fallen from the path after being spooked by another dog and slipping her collar.
The crew assessed the situation and it was agreed the safest way to reach her was by water.
Ilfracombe’s inshore lifeboat reached the dog within minutes. One of the three crew members entered the water and swam to the rocks while the other two kept the boat clear.
Credit:
RNLI/Rob E
The dog’s owners watched from above as the crew member climbed up, reached the dog and carried her back through the water to the lifeboat.
Both were hauled aboard before making the short journey back to the lifeboat station, where the dog was reunited with her family.
The owners later told the RNLI: “We cannot thank you enough for saving our beloved dog.
“She is fine – subdued and exhausted but not so much that she could not manage some toast in a restaurant.”
