Coastguards scale 80ft cliff to save Misty the Spaniel cross

Coastguards from Lyme Regis and Beer rescued a dog which had fallen down 80ft cliffs near Rousdon last Wednesday (October 4).

The incident happened in the landslip near Goat Island.

A spokesman for Beer Coastguard unit said: “We located the owners who were desperately calling and whistling for ‘Misty’ - a Spaniel cross who could be heard barking.

“Those that know the area will appreciate it’s not easy to get our rope rescue equipment to that location.

“We decided to try and get to the base of the 80 foot cliff by accessing the old coast path and cutting our way in. Two of the Lyme team got as far as they could but were unable to get to the base of the cliff but were so close to the barking dog.

“It was then decided to put a rope technician over to see if he could see ‘Misty’ and hopefully get to her.

“The rope technician decended and believe it or not ‘Misty’ came to him, he packaged her into the dog bag and we recovered them to the clifftop seemingly uninjured and to her grateful owners.

“Eleven Coastguard rescue officers attended and from time of tasking to arriving back at station it was just over four hours - a good job by all.

“Misty had apparently chased a pheasant over the edge.

Please keep your dog’s on a lead when near the cliff edge!”