The life of a coastguard can be a mixed and varied one, as Ventnor Coastguards, Simon Wearing, Chris Welsford and Mike Howell continue to discover during their duties.
Most people might consider the rescue duties of a coastguard being confined to on the water, but in fact, it’s not uncommon for them to be involved in all sorts of rescues whether they be at sea or on land.
One such event took place last week when a retired guide dog, Blackers, fell over 60ft down the cliffs at the western end of the Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
We understand from the coastguards that Blackers had been let off his lead to relieve himself (guide dogs are strictly trained not to do this whilst on a lead) and it was was then that he made off into the bushes, possibly to chase a rabbit and fell over the cliff.
As the cliff edge is obscured by bushes, many dog walkers are unaware of the danger and the cliffs at that particular point are a mixture of sheer and steep. We’re told that it’s not unusual for the Coastguard to be called out to search for and recover dogs here.
A spokesman for Ventnor Coastguard said: “We urge dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead anywhere near the cliff top. Even well behaved and elderly dogs will chase rabbits and owners are invariably surprised that their dog has fallen.
“Fortunately in this case both the owner and the dog are safe and well but that was a matter of good luck for this dog who fell at least 60 feet down very rough and steep cliffs. He was extremely scared and had suffered cuts to his pads trying to scramble back up from halfway down before falling to the rocks below.
“He was a very lucky chap not to be seriously injured or killed. His owner did the right thing and called 999 and asked for the Coastguard and then waited until we arrived. Trying to rescue your pet yourself is never advisable and frequently results in a far worse situation arising”.
Ventnor Coastguard are a Coastal Rescue Team under the control of HM Coastguard and are a Government funded organisation specialising in land based Search and Rescue and Rope Rescue.
Anyone lost or injured on the coast should always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard who will then coordinate the rescue and ensure that the appropriate resources are brought in to assist with the situation.
The photos were taken by Sandown Inshore Rescue.
