TRICKY CLIFF RESCUE TRIGGERS ‘KEEP DOGS ON LEAD’ WARNING

A dog has been rescued after falling down the steep cliffs at Filey.

 Humber Coastguard took a 999 call from the distraught owner at 2.20pm this afternoon. She said that her labrador, Alfie, had gone over the cliffs but she couldn’t find him and the tide was coming in. 

 The Filey Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene and met up with the woman. They reported back that she was very upset and may attempt to go down the cliff face herself to try to find Alfie. The RNLI inshore lifeboat from Filey was then sent to the scene and spotted Alfie on a ledge 25-30ft down the cliff. The Scarborough and Ravenscar Coastguard Rescue Teams were then called in to assist with the cliff rescue. The fire service and police were also in attendance.

 Using specialist rope rescue equipment, a Coastguard Rescue Officer went down the cliff and managed to bring Alfie back to safety where he was reunited with his grateful and relieved owner. 

 Mike Puplett, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard, said: 

 “Rescue teams on scene had to battle poor weather conditions and fading light this afternoon to rescue Alfie. We also spent a lot of time comforting his upset owner and making sure she didn’t put her own life at risk to rescue her pet. 

 “We’d always encourage people to keep their dogs on a lead at all times when walking along cliff tops. Even if you know the area well, you never know when your dog may shoot off and end up over the cliff. Thankfully, despite the craggy rocks and sheer drop at Filey, this rescue has a happy ending. Other dogs may not be so lucky. 

 “Remember, if you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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