A multi-agency rescue operation involving the Coastguard and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has resulted in the safe return of Dylan, the cocker spaniel, to his loving owners this afternoon (Wednesday).
Ron Turnbull and his wife were enjoying a walk in the vicinity of Devil’s Chimney near Ventnor earlier this afternoon when 1 of their dogs decided to go a little too far with the sight seeing.
Dylan, a working cocker, went over the edge of the cliff and disappeared out of sight.
The couple, who are on holiday from East Sussex, spent an hour searching for man’s best friend whilst keeping a close eye on their other dog, Max.
With no hope of rescuing Dylan on their own the assistance of the fire service was requested at just before 14:50. Crews from Shanklin, Ryde and Newport were mobilised to the scene, with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge and Ventnor tasked soon after.
After safely working their way through undergrowth, firefighters soon found Dylan scared but uninjured at the bottom of the ‘Chimney’ area just as Coastguard officers prepared to lower a cliffman over the edge.
The Cocker Spaniel was soon helped up to the top of the popular tourist spot and reunited with the Turnbulls, much to their relief. The RSPCA were called to the scene to give the animal the once over.
As the emergency teams came together to pose for a photograph, Mr Turnbull praised the response by the emergency crews – the majority of whom responded from their day jobs to assist in the rescue operation.
He remarked of the level of turnout and noted the danger the crews put themselves in to rescue Dylan.
Martin Groom, Station Officer of Bembridge Coastguard, is reminding locals and tourists alike to keep their dogs on leads when near cliff edges, especially in unfamiliar locations. Owners should never put themselves in danger and should instead call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
So happy to hear the little fella is OK and massive thanks for the emergancy services who do an amazing job
Yet get broken into in an area where high levels of the third world reside and the authorities are too busy because of such to be able to even visit you unless violence has occurred. People are lucky on this island that we can still afford to pay for a huge expensive number of professional men to come to the aid of one dog. Long may that continue. Well done all.