Coastguard officers have been called to Whale Chine this morning (Friday) following reports of a dog falling over the cliff edge.
Ventnor and Needles Coastguard Rescue Teams were both called to the incident off of Military Road between Chale and Atherfield at around 11:15.
Officers can currently be seen setting up their cliff rescue equipment on the cliff edge.
HM Coastguard was alerted to the situation by the dog’s owners, a local elderly couple.
UPDATE @ 13:00 – The owners have now been reunited with their family pet, however, due to the dog’s age the family pet did not survive the ordeal.
It has transpired that the animal was on a lead at the time of the fall, which also saw one of the owner’s take a tumble over the cliff edge. Thankfully they were uninjured but it is unclear why they were walking close to the cliff edge.
Coastguard Rescue Teams are now standing down from the incident.
More crap dog owners on the I o w
How many times do we read dogs on the island going over cliffs !! Should be kept on a lead
Very sad but dogs near cliffs keep on a lead
Had the dog been on its lead this would not have happened yet again and people would not have to risk their lives for a needless rescue
Dog owners need to act responsibly
Very sad, awful for the couple on such a sunny rare day as today.
Likely did that walk hundreds of times, yet one incident shatters their lives as their beloved pet is lost forever.
Worse as you age, as often because of disabilities you are afraid of getting another which likely will outlive your healthy, walking, able bodied years.
I’m sorry for their loss but for goodness sakes. When will people learn to keep their beloved pets on a lead on a cliff! Isn’t it just basic common sense?????!!!!
Sad outcome
Very sad but congratulations to the rescue services for turning out.
Poor dog
According to the Ventnor coastguard rescue team the dog WAS SAFELY ON A LEAD.
Condolences to the family. x
OMG, that is even worse, as it is likely that the poor dogs neck was broken by the sharp fall. Luckily it never pulled the owner over the cliff edge as well. Something to consider if you have a heavy dog on a lead, if it were to drop, it could dash to pieces a child, elderly or light person on the rocks way below.
Maybe it is safer NOT to use a leash.