London, 2 October/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty 1) issued by The Government News Network on 2 October 2006 'Jake' a Labrador dog survived a 400 foot fall over Huntcliff, near Saltburn this afternoon.
A couple from Middlesbrough were out walking their dog along the cliff this afternoon near Saltburn when the dog fell 400 foot; the owners contacted the Cleveland Police who in turn immediately contacted Humber Coastguard at 3:30p.m.
Skinningrove and Staithes Coastguard Rescue teams were sent to the scene to assist in the rescue of the dog and to meet up with the owners, as well as an Emergency Vet. The dog was found on the beach relatively safe and well and able to walk but showing some sign of injury to its rear end.
On the walk back up to the cliff top the owner of the dog experienced severe pain in his chest and plans have been put into place to evacuate the owner of the dog by Rescue helicopter 128 from RAF Leconfield to hospital. Staithes RNLI inshore lifeboat was also requested to be scene with a medic.
Paul Chapman, Watch Officer, Humber Maritime Coastguard Co-ordination Centre, says:
"This is a very unusual state of events, our priority is to ensure the owner of the dog receives appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible and the dog will also be receiving attention from the vet.
We would like to remind the public when walking their dogs along a cliff to always put their animals on a lead and if they do find themselves in any difficulty with the dog having gone over the cliff to ring '999' and ask for the COASTGUARD.'
