Volunteers with the RNLI are being commended after they successfully rescued a beloved family pet who fell from a huge cliff off the Irish coast on Thursday.
The lifeboat of the Dunmore East RNLI in Co Waterford was launched after receiving a report of a dog who had fallen over a 30-metre cliff.
At the request of the Irish Coast Guard, the crew were asked at 2pm to find the family pet who had called in an area half a mile to the East of Portally Cove.
Eight minutes after launch, the Trent Class Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat ‘Elizabeth and Ronald’ and her volunteer crew arrived on the scene and assessed the situation.
The dog was sighted on a ledge at the bottom of the cliff.
Two of the volunteer crew launched the lifeboat’s XP boat and made their way to the base of the cliff where one of the crew was able to climb onto the rocks to rescue ‘Ellie’ the dog.
Thankfully Ellie was unharmed after her ordeal and she was brought back to Dunmore East harbour where she was happily reunited with her family.
Roy Abrahamsson, Dunmore East RNLI Coxswain, said: "Weather conditions were good at the time and our volunteer crew did a great job in rescuing little Ellie.
"Our concern with incidents like this is that dog owners may try to get down the cliff after the dog while endangering themselves. Thankfully this was not the case this time, the owners did the right thing in calling for help."
Following the brilliant rescue, Dunmore East RNLI are being praised for their efforts.
One person said: "It's just not possible to put into words the level of respect, admiration and gratitude I have for you guys for saving this dog. You are true heroes."
A second said: "Fantastic achievement and what wonderful people we have in all our life saving crews - Garda, firefighters, lifeboat, air rescue - here's to you all a virtual pat on the back THANK YOU."
A third added: "Well done guys. Happy ending to that doggies adventure."
