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Tide-trapped dog and walker rescued from cave

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria
News imageMaryport Coastguard A man wrapped in an orange plastic coverall hugs a brown Belgian Malinois, coming out of a red rescue hoist. The two are surrounded by five coastguard team members, who are wearing high visibility clothing and helmets. They are all at the top of a grass covered cliff overlooking the sea, with houses in the distance.Maryport Coastguard
The dog and owner were reunited on the clifftop after being hoisted to safety by coastguard teams

A man and his dog have been rescued from a cave where they sought shelter after being cut off by the tide.

The dog walker and his Belgian Malinois were on the shore between Workington and Salterbeck in west Cumbria when they got into difficulty at about 10:00 GMT on Monday.

Maryport and Whitehaven coastguard teams carried out a rope rescue from the clifftop after poor weather hampered attempts by Workington RNLI to land its rescue boat.

"The casualty and dog were found to be trapped and shaken but otherwise unhurt," Maryport coastguard said. "On the clifftop it was a happy moment watching the owner and dog be reunited."

The dog was hoisted first in a rescue bag, with the owner being brought to safety afterwards.

News imageMaryport Coastguard Seven coastguard rescue team members on a clifftop between Workington and Salterbeck set up a twin rope system. All are wearing high visibility clothing and helmets. The grassy bank where they are working overlooks the sea. The sky above it is grey.Maryport Coastguard
Rescuers used ropes to reach the trapped twosome

In a social media post, Maryport Coastguard said: "We hope both casualties recover from their ordeal and are back out walking the beach again soon."

"This incident is a timely reminder of the importance to check the tide times and conditions before setting off for a walk."

News imageMaryport Coastguard A red RNLI dingy with four volunteers on it approaches a cliff. The four are dressed in orange suits and yellow high visibility helmets. The sky is grey and spray is coming off the waves crashing into the rocky cliff.Maryport Coastguard
Workington RNLI struggled to land a rescue boat in choppy seas

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