Coastguard teams are working to rescue a dog that has gone over the cliff at Tennyson Down near Freshwater Bay tonight (Friday).
Ventnor and Needles Coastguard Rescue Teams are working to locate the animal after being alerted to it’s plight at around 20:10.
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat has launched at the request of Solent Coastguard and is currently searching along the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs.
With the light fading, the dog’s owners are waiting at the top of the cliff for news of their pet.
UPDATE @ 23:25 – It has been confirmed that search and rescue teams have now stood down from the incident.
Sadly, the dog – a spaniel – has not been located despite a rope technician being deployed over the cliff.
A spokesperson for The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team is urging dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead when walking on cliff tops.
It is thought that the dog’s owners are on holiday to the Island.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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Did wonder why Ventnor coastguard were turning out and heading away from the coast… Explains it now! Hope pooch is found safe and well, and the owners learn a harsh lesson! Cliffs = on lead!!!
Dogs and cliff edges don’t mix. Leads would be a good idea near such.
Hoping for a good outcome…thoughts with the owners
Any update on this ?
Is there an update on doggie?
Poor dog. Why was it not on a lead?
Stupid question,how should we know if the dog was on a lead or not. Jumping to conclusions as is normal. Unfortunately as yet not a happy outcome. Thoughts with the dog and owners.
Well Fred, it is just a rough guess but my thoughts are, if the dog was restrained on a lead it would not have gone over the cliff edge! I have owned dogs all my life, this is utterly horrible, poor dog.
Actions have consequences
Rope technician!
How very sad. I do still hope the doggy will be found safe and well.
Or at least found. Sad to hear about this.
Has the dog been found yet?