Coastguard warning after dog is swept into sea during storm

Newhaven Coastguard is warning pet owners about the dangers of walking their dogs during stormy weather after a Staffordshire Bull Terrier was swept away by rough seas.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jan 2016, 11:29 BST
Updated 13th Jan 2016, 11:34 BST

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Recent storms have seen waves batter the entire Sussex coastline. This photo was taken by Steve Hood in Newhaven. SUS-160113-112337001Recent storms have seen waves batter the entire Sussex coastline. This photo was taken by Steve Hood in Newhaven. SUS-160113-112337001
Recent storms have seen waves batter the entire Sussex coastline. This photo was taken by Steve Hood in Newhaven. SUS-160113-112337001

The coastguard team was tasked to Saltdean at around 11:40am on Tuesday, January 12 after a member of the public called to say their dog had fallen from the promenade into the sea.

The first team members were on scene in less than ten minutes and started searching the area with binoculars.

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Once more team members arrived with the response vehicle and equipment, two members put on dry suits and life-jackets with safety lines attached. Each of them was backed up by another team member holding the life line.

With appropriate safety equipment, two members were able to approach the wall safety to visually search close into the promenade.

A coastguard spokesperson said: “An area search was made as thoroughly as possible in very rough conditions but despite our best efforts, sadly we were not able to locate the dog.

“It is advisable to keep dogs on a lead in storm conditions and near cliff edges.

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“The owner made absolutely the right decision by calling the coastguard instead of attempting self rescue, which could have resulted in them getting into difficulty.

“In a sea or coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for coastguard.”

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