According to Kotze, the dog suffered no injuries and appears to be healthy. (Photo: NSRI)
A dog was safely rescued from a steep cliff at Dreunkrans near Hermanus on Thursday morning after an observant woman heard its helpless barking and called for help.
According to Edrich Kotze, station commander of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on Hermanus, the team was called at 09:37 after a concerned member of the public reported the incident.
“The woman was walking on the coastal path when she heard a dog barking. When she investigated, she saw that a dog was trapped on a steep slope under the walkway. She immediately contacted the NSRI.”
Kotze, who lives near the scene, was the first to rush to the area to assess the situation.
“It was clear that the dog would not be able to get off the steep cliff by itself and our NSRI team was immediately activated to help.”
It was clear the dog would not be able to get off the steep cliff by itself. (Photo: NSRI)
Steep terrain complicates rescue
“The woman, a true good Samaritan, remained at the scene. There was no one in the area who could be identified as the dog’s owner,” says Kotze.
In addition to the NSRI, an animal handler from the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) is also in a hurry to the scene to help with the rescue effort.
“Our NSRI team arrived on the scene with HAWS and we had to brave steep, almost inaccessible terrain to reach the dog.”
Kotze says the rescue operation required good cooperation between the various players.
“In a coordinated effort, we were able to get the dog safely off the cliff and take him to a safe place. The dog was then placed in the care of HAWS.”
Kotze says the rescue operation required good cooperation between the various players. (Photo: NSRI)
Dog unharmed
The rescue operation was successfully completed at 10:26.
According to Kotze, the dog suffered no injuries and appears to be healthy.
“He was taken to HAWS where he will be cared for and rehabilitated while efforts continue to locate his owners.”
Kotze praised the woman who called the NSRI, as well as HAWS, for their involvement.
“We would like to thank the local woman for her quick action after spotting the dog. We would also like to thank HAWS for their valuable assistance during the rescue operation.”