An eight day ordeal ended for Willow the dog and her owner, when the spaniel was spotted on a remote beach at the bottom of a cliff near Chapman’s Pool in Dorset.
The inquisitive dog had run off while out on a walk more than a week earlier and her owner had been unable to find the much loved pet.
Willow now safe and under the firm grip of her owner
Cliff rescue in the dark
But fortunately on Tuesday 16th December 2025, concerned passersby heard her barking and contacted the coastguard.
The Kimmeridge coastguard team was training at its station when it was called out at about 9.30 pm, along with members of the nearby St Albans coastguard.
Once it was realised that the only way to rescue Willow was by climbing down the cliff at Egmount Point, the Swanage coastguard rope team was also sent to help.
The decision was made to put a rope technician down the cliff, with an extra coastguard rescue officer to help catch Willow, who by this time was running up and down the beach and looking difficult to get hold of.
Willow was lifted up the cliff in the red dog recovery bag
A very relieved owner is reunited with his dog
“One very lucky spaniel!”
Kimmeridge coastguard reported:
“After being very patient and handing over some very exciting dog treats, the coastguard officers managed to gain the trust of Willow, slowly managing to get her into the dog recovery bag.
“The pair then recovered her to safety at the top of the cliff. Once at the top, both Willow and her owner were reunited after an amazing eight day ordeal. That was one very lucky spaniel!”
The coastguard officers pleased to have safely recovered Willow from the bottom of the cliff in the dark
Home for Christmas
After quite an evening, the teams were able to pack up their kit and return to their stations, knowing that Willow was now safely heading home in time for Christmas with her owner.
The Kimmeridge coastguard also passed on its thanks to the Encombe Estate team for helping to transfer its officers to the remote site.
