Exclusive photos: Rescue drama as Coastguards save stranded dog

Published: July 15, 2012
Exclusive photos: Rescue drama as Coastguards save stranded dog

These were the heart-warming scenes on Brean Down on Sunday evening (July 15th) when Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard's Cliff Rescue Team saved a dog stranded on rocks.

Charlie, a Border Collie, tumbled down the steep cliffs at Brean Down Fort at around 4pm, prompting his desperate owners to call 999 for help.

Coastguards from Burnham and Weston rushed to the scene, fearing the owners might put themselves in difficulty by scrambling down the steep cliff-face to reach the animal.

Owner Kim Biberger, who is from Wells, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Charlie ran over the cliff edge while chasing after some low-flying birds. It was a heart-stopping moment when we saw him disappear and then to look over the edge and see he was clinging onto the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs just above the sea water."

"There was no way of safely reaching him so we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard."

As pictured here, Burnham Coastguard cliff climber Dave Welland was lowered down the rockface using ropes to safely reach the animal and take him back up to the relieved owners.

Kim added: "Charlie seemed to be very happy to have been rescued and we are so extremely grateful to the Coastguards for reaching him. He is very much part of the family and we are relieved he was not hurt."

Burnham Coastguard Station Officer Steve Bird told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "This is a notorious spot on Brean Down where several dogs have died over the years."

"The owners could have put themselves in a great deal of danger if they'd tried to reach Charlie, so we were happy to help and glad to see a very positive ending."