A DOG died after falling from cliffs near Watchet and its owner was nearly killed trying to save the animal.

The dog owner was rescued by an off-duty Coastguard who was supervising a 1st Watchet Sea Scouts sailing session at the time.

The incident happened in Helwell Bay while the Coastguard was helming a safety boat for the sea scouts session.

The dog owner ended up in the sea and was pulled on board the safety boat while the animal was also recovered.

A Watchet Coastguard spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, the dog had not survived the fall, entering the water of the flooding tide.”

The sea scouts took the man to the outer slipway of Watchet Harbour where Coastguard cliff rescue technicians who responded to a 999 call helped to support him ashore.

The man was then given a lift home by a local resident.

The Coastguard spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the dog owners following their tragic loss of their beloved pet.

“We advise all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking near the unguarded or unfenced clifftops and never attempt to scale cliffs or jump into water to rescue a pet.

“In a coastal emergency, remember to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

A Minehead Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteer crew also launched its D-class inshore lifeboat in response to the emergency but was stood down en route.

Watchet and Minehead Coastguards are currently recruiting new team members for both stations.

A spokesperson said: “As a volunteer coastguard rescue officer, you could be involved in a range of situations, from mud, cliff, and water rescues to searches for missing people.

“Volunteering with us is a rewarding role that supports and gives back to your local community.”

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer Coastguard should visit the service’s website.