Dog saved in dramatic six hour pit rescue on North Yorkshire Moors

Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team (SRMRT) were called out after the animal fell around 6.5 metres down a narrow, winding pit on Friday (May 8).

In an online post, the team said: “Yesterday’s rescue was certainly a different one for the team…”

Rescuers attempting to save the dog (Image: Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team)

The dog is believed to have slipped through several tight gaps during the fall, which may have reduced the impact but left her trapped deep underground.

SRMRT added: “Somehow, gravity had carried her through several extremely tight gaps, which likely helped break the fall, but also left her trapped deep underground.”

Mountain rescue crews (Image: Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team)

A major rescue effort was launched, involving mountain rescue volunteers, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.

Emergency services at the scene (Image: Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team)

The team described it as “an outstanding six-hour-long joint effort” involving multiple emergency services.

After hours of careful planning and teamwork, a cave rescuer was able to squeeze through the tight underground system to reach the dog.

SRMRT said: “After careful assessment and a lot of teamwork, cave rescuer Lucy managed to squeeze down through the tight system to reach the dog and bring her safely back out.”

The dog was then safely brought back to the surface, bringing the challenging rescue to a happy ending.

The team added it was “a technical, challenging and very muddy rescue”, thanking all agencies involved for their support.