Isle of Wight Tennyson Down cliff fall rescue for dog Ted

The alarm was raised this afternoon (Wednesday, October 9) by a local resident, who reported his dog, called Ted, was missing on Tennyson Downs, near Freshwater Bay, with fears he may have plummeted off a cliff.

The incident unfolded at around 11am when the man, walking Ted and accompanied by a friend, realised the dog had wandered off.

Ted was regarded as normally being a well-behaved dog, which would keep its distance from the cliff edge.

Tennyson Down and Cliffs (Image: Josh Thomas)

But after searching for Ted for about half an hour, fellow walkers reported seeing the dog near the cliff edge, which sparked immediate concern.

In "a moment of desperation", Ted's owner contacted Solent Coastguard, but no help was readily available.

Read more: Dog rescued after 25ft Isle of Wight beauty spot cliff fall

Coastguard rescue teams from The Needles and Ventnor were, however, sent out to look for Ted at 12.10pm.

Ted's owner also contacted Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (FILB), where Martin Newham initiated an urgent response.

At around 1.10pm, FILB launched a crew, led by helm, Ronan McCann, in challenging conditions, with a large swell in the bay.

Ted had subsequently fallen off the cliff, around 200ft.

Coastguard teams arrived shortly afterwards, preparing to abseil down the cliffs if necessary.

However, showing great courage in the conditions, FILB crew member, James Metcalfe, went into the water and made his way ashore — successfully retrieving Ted from the base of the cliff.

Read more: Woman and dog rescued from mud near Isle of Wight holiday park

James was supported by Luke Stagg and Ronan in the rescue operation.

Miraculously, Ted was recovered safe and well.

The lucky dog was taken to the lifeboat station, where it was reunited with its relieved owners at around 2.30pm.

Ted was taken to the vets for overnight observation, but was reportedly in good health — described by a FILB spokesperson as "an incredible outcome after such a dangerous fall".

He added: "Very humbling rescuing Ted today. Fell over the cliffs at Tennyson Downs. Lucky dog. Very tricky rescue."

Ted's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed deep gratitude to both FILB and Solent Coastguard's rescue teams for their "quick and courageous" response.

The FILB officer continued: "We want to thank the local community for their continued support, and remind dog owners to take extra care when walking near cliff edges.

"This story serves as a reminder of the importance of our life-saving teams and the incredible work they do."