AN RNLI open day in Swanage was interrupted with an emergency report a dog had fallen off the cliff at Old Harry.

Volunteers at the town station were welcoming the public for the arrival of the new inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove, when they were called to the incident at just before 3pm.

Both Swanage lifeboats were launched to reports of a dog that had gone over the cliff.

“The local Coastguard were on scene and guided the lifeboats to a cove on the northern side of Old Harry Rocks,” a spokesperson said.

“Lillii the dog had been spotted from the cliff top in a small cove that was cut off by the tide.

“The inshore lifeboat was able to navigate the shallow waters to drop two volunteer lifeboat crew ashore to retrieve Lillii.

“She was pleased to see the lifeboat crew arrive and tentatively approached the crew who picked her up and carried her to the lifeboat as she appeared to have injured one of her back legs.”

Lillii the dog was rescued after a fall from Old Harry. Picture: Swanage Coastguard

Crews got their hands on a blanket to wrap Lillii up, and she was soon returned to her owners once back on land.
Swanage lifeboat helm, Becky Mack, said: “We were quickly able to locate Lillii thanks to the first informant having called the coastguard to assist with locating and recovering the dog.

“Although it was cold and choppy on route to Old Harry, the northern side was sheltered and easy for the inshore lifeboat to reach.

“Thankfully, Lillii had survived the fall and was happy to be picked up by the volunteer lifeboat crew, so that we could quickly return her to land where she could be taken by her owners to the vet.”

RNLI crew rescued Lillii after a fall from Old Harry. Picture: RNLI