Lucky Labrador saved by RNLI volunteers after cliff fall in Cornwall

RNLI volunteers from Penlee Lifeboat Station have rescued a Labrador that fell from cliffs between Rinsey and Porthleven on the Cornish coast.

The all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched shortly after 11:00am on Tuesday 9 July, following reports that a dog had gone over the cliff edge. The crew, led by Coxswain Patch Harvey, included five volunteers who began their search at Rinsey Head.

The dog, a chocolate Labrador named Nutmeg, was later found at Parc Trammel Cove — a remote and rocky inlet near Porthleven. Coastguard cliff rescue teams also attended the scene, but the cove could not be accessed from above.

A smaller Y-boat was launched from the lifeboat, with volunteers Lewis William and Chris Davey on board. They reached Nutmeg, who had suffered some cuts and bruises to her face but appeared otherwise uninjured.

Mr Davey carried Nutmeg to the Y-boat, and she was brought back to the Ivan Ellen, where she was given water, blankets, and checked over.

Due to low tide at Porthleven, the Y-boat was relaunched to carry Nutmeg into the harbour. She was reunited with her owner, who was said to be "very thankful". An RNLI Spokesperson said: "The RNLI rescues animals because there have been many tragic incidents where people have got into difficulty after entering the sea to rescue an animal. We would always advise owners or members of the public who see an animal struggling in the sea to call on our help instead of going to the rescue and putting themselves at risk.

"It's important to keep yourself safe when you walk your dog.
Keep your dog on a lead when close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.
If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after the dog.
Move to a place where your dog can get to safely and call it - It'll probably get out on its own.
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