A fresh safety warning has been issued to dog owners after a team of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and lifeboat crews were called out to rescue a stranded dog after it fell down the steep cliffs of Brean Down on Thursday (February 18th).
Crews were called to the fort just after 1.45pm to reports that the collie – called Jake – had tumbled down the cliffs into the sea water.
With an incoming tide, the dog had been swept along the northern side of the Down and was unable to get back due to the rocks.
Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards carried out a foot search and were initially unable to locate the dog, so Burnham’s RNLI lifeboats were called to the scene and the crew spotted Jake from the water, and managed to hand him to the crew.
“The dog was then carried back up the slope to the owner and checked over,” said Burnham Coastguard Officer Ian Jefferies.
“Thankfully the dog didn’t seem too upset, just quite cold. A relieved dog and owner were taken back to their car.”
“We advise anyone who goes on Brean Down with a dog to keep them on a lead at all times. Dogs are naturally attracted to the wildlife and can easily find themselves in a dangerous situation.”
“If you see anyone in danger along the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Lifeboat helmsman Kevin Barber – on his first shout as a B-Class helm – said: “We located the dog, apparently a collie type, in the crevice, frantically trying to clamber unsuccessfully to safety and the animal was handed to local Coastguards on the scene.”
The dog owner’s family from Frome had been on a sunny birthday walk. Tracey Verduyn, the dog’s owner, said: “We came out with the family for a walk because it was my husband’s birthday.”
“We had kept Jake on a lead while exploring the fort, but then let him off for a run – he just dashed off.”
It’s the second dog rescue of the year so far at Brean Down after a similar incident last month when another dog was rescued by Coastguards, as Burnham-On-Sea.com reported on the link below.
Also see:
Burnham Coastguards rescue dog after cliff fall at Brean Down
