KEEP DOGS ON LEADS NEAR CLIFFS AND DO NOT ATTEMPT SELF RESCUE WARN HUMBER COASTGUARD

Humber Coastguard are warning members of the public to keep dogs on leads and not to attempt self rescue should a dog go over a cliff after a man fell 200 ft this afternoon as he attempted to rescue his dog.

At 2.30 pm this afternoon Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from a woman, who reported that her husband had fallen and disappeared from view whilst attempting to rescue one of her three dogs who had fallen over cliffs at Cloughton Wyke, near Scarborough.

A search and rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield was diverted from exercise, and Coastguard teams from Scarborough, Burniston and Ravenscar began a search of the area.

As the helicopter approached the area, Humber Coastguard was able to glean further information from the woman, so that the helicopter could be diverted to her position on the cliffs. Soon afterwards the casualty was spotted and made stable by the helicopter crew, before being taken to Scarborough Hospital.

The Coastguard team from Scarborough relocated to the hospital landing site, whilst Burniston and Ravenscar Coastguards attended the lady, and her dogs. The third dog, which had fallen, is in the care of a vet at present.

Mike Puplett, Watch Manager Humber Coastguard said:

“The gentleman fell approximately 200 feet, after attempting to rescue his dog. Although we understand that people are very fond of their pets, we would like to warn them that it is extremely dangerous to climb or descend cliffs in an attempt to rescue pets. We have had very high winds in the area today, making being close to the cliff edges even more treacherous. The message is clear, don’t attempt rescue yourself, and always keep dogs on leads when in the vicinity of cliffs. If your dog does fall over a cliff, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”


For further information please contact

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer on 07703 584024 out of hours or

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, during office hours on:
(023) 8032 9401

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the

Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media


Before you set to sea remember to:

get trained;
wear a lifejacket;
avoid alcohol;
take a method of communication with you; and
check the weather and tides.


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