Coastguard saves man and dog from cliff face at Brean Down

On Satuday, August 10, a man was faced with a tough situation after his dog slipped its lead and sprinted away and up the side of Brean Down.

In attempt to recall his dog, the man walked to the top of the Down, but followed a steep path down the cliff face in attempt to rescue his disobedient pup.

However, he was still unable to reach the dog, and found himself stuck - luckily a member of public shouted up to the person and advised them to stay put before raising the alarm.

Upon arrival, the coastguard team deployed a full cliff set up with tech to descend from above.

RNLI Weston-super-Mare were then called to the scene, and launched their inshore lifeboat to follow the water in as it flooded the beach.

A spokesperson for Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team said: "With our flank team Weston-Super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team arriving with more cliff rescue operatives, the owner was rescued first and lowered to the sand.

"To ensure the safety of the dog, it was placed into the animal rescue carrier which was tethered in place until the cliff tech could get back to it.

Crews descended down the cliff face to assist. (Image: Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team)

"Our other flank team HM Coastguard Watchet was also on scene and provided extra safety options from the incoming tide.

"Once the owner was safe, the cliff tech was hauled back up the cliff face to the dog, where it was fixed into the cliff techs system and again lowered to safety.

"This all coincided with the tide leaving just enough dry land to be able to safely extract all concerned without getting wet.

"Although the lifeboat wasn't utilised in the rescue it was important to have it on scene as things can change very quickly.

"Normally we would finish with some safety advice about keeping dogs on leads while on Brean Down, in this instance the dog was on the beach and managed to find its way up the side of the Down before becoming stuck.

"A good outcome with multiple teams."