SES volunteers performed a dramatic rescue on Tuesday to save a dog trapped for five days on a ledge in the Illawarra escarpment.
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It is believed Sammy the golden labrador fell twice before coming to rest on the ledge, near Robertson, overlooking an 80-metre drop.
After Sammy disappeared last Thursday his owners Alexandra Townsend and Derek Pascoe were desperate, placing lost dog posters around Robertson.
On Monday afternoon, a resident at the bottom of the escarpment reported having heard a dog barking for the previous four days.
That’s when State Emergency Service volunteers swung into action. Hampered by a lack of sunlight, the decision was made to return early on Tuesday morning.
SES acting region controller Ashley Sullivan said volunteers from Kiama, Wingecarribee and Wollongong units then abseiled down the side of the cliff and were able to winch Sammy to safety.
‘‘It’s a fantastic result to not only find the dog ... but to then carry out a successful rescue with the dog being healthy and happy to see us,’’ he said.
Sammy’s owners thanked the SES volunteers and police who helped with the rescue.
