COLLIE RESCUED FROM BOTTOM OF 100 FT CLIFFS

A working collie dog was rescued by lifeboat from cliffs at Portlethen this evening after falling 100 ft down a crevice in the cliffs. The dog had been working in the fields above the cliffs. A member of the public called Aberdeen Coastguard at 6.00 pm to report the dog’s predicament and request help.

The owner of the 2 ½ year old dog, Zack, arrived on scene shortly afterwards and he and a colleague climbed down a cliff path in an effort to rescue the dog. Aberdeen Coastguard sent the Stonehaven Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene of the incident. When they arrived, they assessed the situation and advised that it would be better to bring a lifeboat into the bottom of the cliffs and retrieve the dog. Aberdeen inshore and all weather RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch. When they arrived on scene, one of the inshore lifeboat crewmembers managed to retrieve the dog from the cliffs and into the lifeboat. The dog’s owner was also rescued from the cliffs and taken to shore by the all weather lifeboat. The other man made his own way back up the cliff.

George Downie, Aberdeen Coastguard Watch Manager says:

“Generally, we advise all those who walk their dogs at the top of cliffs to keep their dogs on leads, since dogs do have a tendency to jump off or run down cliffs after rabbits, seagulls and so on. Of course, in this case, the dog was working at the top of the cliffs and it was unfortunate that he happened to fall down the crevice. Whether you are the owner of a working dog or a family dog though, please do not attempt self rescue, putting yourself at risk, but 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


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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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