Angus coastguards have revealed an amazing tale of dog rescue that may just have saved a man’s life.
HM Coastguard Angus & Mearns says a late-night search for a man missing at cliffs near St Cyrus was proving fruitless until officers were led to the casualty by a dog found at the scene.
The drama started just after 11pm on Thursday when the coastguard centre at Aberdeen received a request for assistance from Police Scotland.
Teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Carnoustie along with all-weather and inshore lifeboats, raced to the area.
While some of the rescuers immediately began searching key parts of the cliff paths, other members of the team spoke to a member of the public who had found a dog near the missing man’s vehicle.
It was when someone suggested that they try letting the dog, named Ben, assist the search that something incredible happened.
A coastguard spokesman explained: “Two rescue officers, both dog owners themselves, allowed Ben to take them and two police officers on a purposeful wander.
“Ben led officers along various paths, passing many intersections before deciding to sit down and look off the edge of a 100ft section of cliff.”
However, none of the team could see anything and they allowed Ben to carry on along the path.
But Ben headed straight back to the spot where he had first stopped.
The coastguard spokesman continued: “This area now became a key target for a detailed search.
“A police dog and rescue helicopter Rescue 137 from RAF Lossiemouth were now on scene.
“Shortly after removing Ben from the area to safety and to allow a detailed search to commence the missing male was located.”
Because of Ben’s intervention, the man was spared a night stranded outside and was airlifted to hospital in Aberdeen, where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries.
The coastguard added: “The location where the male was found was directly below the 100ft cliff path where Ben had indicated.
“Man’s best friend proved to be an invaluable asset when searching for his master.
“Well done to Ben and all those involved!”Do you know Ben’s owner? Please phone01382 575891/07802 690232 or email online@thecourier.co.uk