RECAP as two dogs were rescued by emergency services near Souter Lighthouse
Emergency services were called to cliffs near Souter Lighthouse after two dogs had fallen off the edge.
Crews from South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) and Sunderland Coastguard along with lifeboats from Sunderland were called to the scene after 2pm today (Friday, June 5).
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Hide AdBruno and Cleo were successfully rescued and both returned to their owners unharmed by the incident.
A statement posted on SSVLB’s Facebook page said: “The team were tasked with our colleagues from Sunderland CRT and Sunderland lifeboats to Souter Lighthouse after a report of two dogs had fallen from the cliff.
“We located them and set up our rope rescue equipment.
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Hide Ad“Two technicians descended the cliff and recovered both dogs (Bruno and Clio) who appeared none the worse for their ordeal.
“They were then reunited with their owners.”
Scroll down to see our live updates from the incident as they happened.
Live updates as a rescue operation is underway at Souter Cliffs
3.05pm: Rescue operation is under way
A rescue operation is under way at Souter Cliffs.
Emergency services are on the scene and we will bring you updates as we receive them.
3.10pm: Operation under way
Crews have began a rescue operation at Souter Cliffs.
The exact details of what has happened are not yet known.
3.20pm: It is understood that two dogs are in trouble
Unconfirmed reports suggest that two dogs are in trouble but are alive.
It is not known if they fell through a sinkhole or over the edge.
3.30pm: Two lifeboats launched
It is understood that two lifeboat crews have been launched from their base at Roker in Sunderland.
3.40pm: South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade attend the scene
South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade are heading up the land operation after it is believed two dogs have got into trouble near the cliffs.
3.50pm: Confirmation that two dogs have been rescued
Our photographer Stu Norton was at the scene to confirm that two dogs have been rescued and returned to their owners safe and well.
4.00pm: Statement from South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade
South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) have released a statement and photo via their Facebook page following the incident.
It said: “The team were tasked with our colleagues from Sunderland CRT and Sunderland lifeboats to Souter Lighthouse after a report of two dogs had fallen from the cliff.
"We located them and set up our rope rescue equipment.
"Two technicians descended the cliff and recovered both dogs (Bruno and Cleo) who appeared none the worse for their ordeal.
“They were then reunited with their owners.”