Dog rescued after getting trapped underground on Dartmoor

A dog trapped underground sparked a multi-agency rescue on Dartmoor last night, Thursday 13 October.

A team of volunteers from Devon Cave Rescue joined Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Ashburton along with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to rescue Spaniel Jess who had become trapped trapped in an old quarry spoil heap near Haytor whilst out for a walk.

The incident, which happened just after 19.30 hrs fortunately had a good outcome as teams worked together to locate and free Jess safely and return her to her owner.

A spokesperson from Devon Cave Rescue explained: “Jess had decided that, whilst out walking with her Dad, she would give caving a crack and disappeared off into a large granite spoil heap (a large pile of huge granite boulders that are precariously balanced on top of each other).

“Unfortunately Jess got herself through a series of very narrow voids into a small chamber and despite attempts to call her out it was recognised that she was truly trapped underground with some concern there had been a collapse inside the boulder pile.

“After an initial search by a surface team it was recognised that this would be a job best suited to the specialist skills and knowledge that our team possess. The team got to work locating Jess within the boulder ruckle helped by her dad who had already began moving some rubble which is where the team focused their efforts.

“We very carefully and slowly removed rubble and boulders all the time monitoring for movement to avoid collapse into the voids that Jess was trapped to avoid any harm to Jess or team members working in the area. After a couple of hours of careful teamwork we were able to access the void and release Jess from her ordeal into the care of a vet on the Ashburton team.

“Jess appears well and has said she may give caving another go but next time will go with a guide and with proper equipment. Thankfully it won’t be in the same place as the team backfilled the voids to prevent further accidents in the future.

“Tonight’s effort was a fantastic example of joint multi agency working amongst several services. It was also an opportunity for other teams to view our teams skills, as our work is normally done under ground and out of sight.

“We wish Jess a speedy and full recovery after her ordeal.”

The team from Devon Cave Rescue is made up of volunteers and rely on donations.
If you would like to donate to the team, you can do so here.

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us