It was a New Year’s Day miracle for Leo the dog.
The dog somehow tumbled off a cliff in Oregon’s Ecola State Park and that’s when the U.S. Coast Guard’s aircrew from Astoria literally leapt into action.
And, the entire amazing rescue was all caught on video. The “hoist cam footage” was shared by the Coast Guard on social media this week.
It was Monday afternoon when first responders, including local fire departments, were setting up to rappel down the cliffside when the Coast Guard showed up.
A rescue swimmer was sent down a long line to begin the rescue.
After landing on solid ground, it was time to approach the obviously frightened dog.
The dog was then secured to the hoisting basket.
Then it was time to ride back up to the helicopter with the crew member by the dog’s side.
By 4:15 pm, the helicopter landed in a nearby parking lot where Leo could be reunited with his owners.
The aircrew member lifted Leo into their arms. They were clearly overjoyed and thankful at the happy reunion.
The outcome could have been so much worse.
Now, the Coast Guard crew is being heralded online as heroes.
#Breaking (1/2) A #USCG aircrew from Astoria rescued a dog that had fallen off a cliff in Ecola State Park in #Oregon. The rescue swimmer was deployed and moved the dog into the hoisting basket. The helicopter landed in a parking lot at 4:15 pm to reunite the dog with its owners. pic.twitter.com/HaVVF7uR3y
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) January 2, 2024
While it wasn’t immediately clear how Leo was faring, his owner later told officials he was in remarkable shape despite the ordeal.
“Leo stayed overnight at an emergency vet,” the owners said. “He has a few cuts and bruises. All things considered, he is doing good. We are so thankful he is alive and expected to recover.”
#UPDATE #BreakingNews Hoist cam footage of the dog rescue yesterday from Ecola State Park. From the owner: “Leo stayed overnight at an emergency vet. He has a few cuts and bruises. All things considered, he is doing good. We are so thankful he is alive and expected to recover.” pic.twitter.com/mnxTBQreUr
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) January 2, 2024
