Portrush RNLI was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard shortly after 9am yesterday morning (Sunday 27 March) to assist with the search for a dog that had fallen off cliffs at Port Coon near the Giant’s Causeway.
The owner and the dog were regulars on this walk at the causeway on Northern Ireland’s North Coast and knew the area well.
The inshore lifeboat and volunteer crew launched at 9.12am into perfect sea and weather conditions and arrived very quickly at the designated area.
Helm Johnny Weston, Portrush put the other crew members on the rocks to check for the dog as directed by the owner at the cliff top.
The search then moved further round the cliff, where the dog was found. Sadly it had died at the scene.
The crew carefully retrieved the dog and returned it to its owner waiting at Portballintrae Harbour.
Judy Nelson, Portrush RNLI volunteer lifeboat press Officer said: “This is never going to be an easy callout for our volunteer crew who are all dog lovers, but it was important for them to return the dog to its owner.
“The owner and the dog did this walk on a regular basis and knew the area well. However, we would advise that if your dog does get into difficulty, do not try to go after it yourself. Please dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
