Emergency services / Relief as lifeboat crew rescues dog after cliff fall
A LERWICK dog owner was reunited with his beloved Border collie after members of Lerwick Lifeboat recovered the animal from the foot of 30 feet high cliffs at the town’s Ness of Sound.
Socks disappeared earlier on Saturday while out for a walk with his owner Jay McGill.
After searching for his dog all afternoon McGill finally located the 11-year-old animal at the foot of the cliff, and contacted Shetland Coastguard.
The Lerwick lifeboat launched at around 6.30pm and arrived at the scene within five minutes.
Given Socks’ location near the waterline, a decision was made to deploy the inflatable Y-boat and two lifeboat crew were soon able recover Socks to the lifeboat.
Socks was described as a little subdued but without significant injury. He was reunited with his owner once the lifeboat had returned to base at Lerwick harbour.
Relief coxswain Darren Harcus said: “We’re pleased to have been able to help with Socks’ rescue and to see him handed safely back to his owner.
“They did exactly the right thing by contacting the coastguard when they realised that their dog was in difficulty, without putting themselves in any further danger. We hope Socks recovers from the experience soon.”
Meanwhile, the coastguard search and rescue helicopter was tasked to transfer a patient from Mid Yell to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick on Saturday night.
The helicopter landed at the Clickimin landing site at around 10.30pm.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.