Dog pulled from Aireys cliff in high stakes rescue

A DOG has had a lucky escape in Aireys Inlet over the weekend after finding itself stranded on a cliff in Sunday’s wild weather.

Emergency crews from the SES, CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria were called to the high stakes rescue after the dog found itself stuck on a narrow ledge about 5m down the cliff face.

Aireys Inlet CFA 1st Lieutenant Andrew Wilson said rescuers faced slippery terrain, thunder and heavy rain as they worked to bring the dog to safety.

“We were concerned about the weather. There was a bit of thunder around, so that was another thing we were conscious of.

“We waited for the high angle rescue team to get there… and they worked out a plan and got one of their members down to abseil just that 4 or 5m. [They made] a quick grab and away they went.”

After two tense hours, the dog was pulled to safety and reunited with its relieved owners — cold, muddy, but unharmed.

Mr Wilson said Sunday’s conditions made the operation particularly difficult.

“That day, the weather wasn’t helping at all. It was pretty wet and muddy and slippery.

“The main consideration for us, it’s just keeping everyone, including the public, well away until the high angle rescue team from Geelong got there.”

Despite the storm and slick cliffs, Mr Wilson said the rescue went as smoothly as possible thanks to teamwork and quick thinking.

“In this case, it was nice and close to the road, which made it a lot easier, particularly in the weather.”