Inshore lifeboat George Bearman launched at 8.32pm on 16 June to recover a Jack Russell who had fallen from Orcombe Point whilst chasing rabbits.

The 14 year old dog, named Paula was chasing rabbits off lead whilst her owners were walking along the South West path, near the Jurassic Coast Geoneedle. The owners, realising the tide was incoming and too dangerous to recover Paula themselves, called for help.

By 8.43pm, the three Crew Volunteers had located Paula on the beach and recovered her to the inshore lifeboat. At this point, the owners threw down a lead to help restrain the Jack Russell who had become shaken and frightened by the ordeal. Trainee Crew Volunteer, Paul Fox stayed on the beach with Paula whilst the two remaining volunteers picked up one of the owners from West Steps. Then all four plus dog returned to the lifeboat station.

The owners are taking Paula to their own vets in Teignmouth to check for injuries.

Volunteer Deputy Launching Authority, Rachel Hughes was on duty;

‘The owners were very grateful for our assistance, but needless to say there won’t be any more chasing rabbits for Paula now and they will invest in a long retractable lead!

‘Please keep your dogs under control whilst walking along cliffs. Paula’s owners realised the dangers of the fast approaching tide and did the right thing in not putting themselves at any further risk by attempting the rescue themselves.’