INLAND DOG RESCUE FOR COASTGUARD TEAMS

Crossing the narrow bridge
HM Coastguard has a particular range of skills and are sometimes called on to help with search and rescues inland. 

When a group were walking south of Cawdor in Inverness-shire, one of them fell down a steep gulley while trying to rescue their dog who was stuck at the bottom on New Years Eve.  One of the group, a former mountain rescue volunteer called 999 and asked for the Coastguard.

Aberdeen Coastguard called out the Inverness and Nairn Coastguard Rescue Teams with their specialist rope rescue equipment to make a safe recovery of the man. 

Police, Fire and Ambulance services from Scotland were also on scene to provide assistance to the casualty. 

Andy Sutherland from Inverness Coastguard;

“As this was an area outside of where we usually work, we were met at the gates to be guided in as one does not simply drive into the forest of Cawdor.  It was a narrow track and our truck just fitted over the bridge once we folded the mirrors in.

“Other than the location, for us it was a run of the mill job.  The gulley was about 100 to 130 metres deep with a ten foot drop at the bottom and the lad and dog were right there.  We went down to check him out and thankfully he was ok, so it was simple enough to recover him back to his family and friends.

Coastguards from Inverness and Nairn following the rescue
“Once he was safe, we went back down to bring the spaniel up and he was ok as well.  It’s important to remember that if your dog does end up in trouble like a cliff or gully you shouldn’t try to rescue them unless trained or equipped to do so.

“A cherished family pet in danger is always a worry to us all, but it’s better to let us get them back to you rather than risking yourselves.  If you do get in trouble call 999 and ask for the emergency services and if you’re at the coast ask for the Coastguard.  We’ll help you.”

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