A dramatic rescue unfolded in Ilfracombe, Devon, when a black Labrador named Bailey plunged 60 feet off a coastal path into the sea after slipping her collar when spooked by another dog. Her owner, Chris Carter, raised the alarm as Bailey managed to climb onto rocks but was unable to move due to the rough waves.
Rescue Operation
Coastguards initially attempted to reach the stranded dog from above, but hazardous terrain made the approach impossible. A crew from RNLI Ilfracombe then deployed their inshore lifeboat, maneuvering as close to the rocks as possible. Lifeboatman Richard Woolmer entered the water and swam toward Bailey, carefully picking up the frightened dog and swimming back through the stormy sea. Both were lifted into the boat as bystanders cheered from the cliff top.
Hero's Account
Mr. Woolmer, a 51-year-old self-employed builder and owner of two Labradors, said, "I couldn't see the dog initially because the cliff was cut away at the bottom, but then I heard her bark. I've got two Labradors so I'm good with dogs, and I said 'I'll go get her'." He described the rough sea and rocks as requiring careful judgment but expressed confidence in his crew. "I enjoy sea swimming and have full confidence in the crew otherwise I wouldn't have put myself at risk," he added. Using a "V" between rocks as a channel, he reached Bailey, quickly befriended her, and guided her back to the boat with the help of her harness.
Aftermath
After the rescue, Bailey was taken to a local restaurant and given toast to recover from her ordeal. An RNLI spokesperson stated, "The lifeboat got as close as possible to the rocks where the dog was standing, and one crew member swam the rest of the way while the other two kept the boat off the rocks. The crew member climbed up to grab the dog, swam back carrying her, and both were hauled onto the lifeboat. The dog was then reunited with her family."
