An elderly Staffordshire bull terrier cross named Maisy was rescued after being trapped 20 feet underground in a remote pothole on the North York Moors. The Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team (SRMRT), alongside the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) and other emergency services, worked for six hours to free the 12-year-old dog after she fell during a walk.
The rescue was a complex and muddy operation requiring specialist cave rescuers. A UWFRA volunteer used a hammer and chisel to widen the tight gap where Maisy was wedged, before cave rescuer Lucy squeezed through the narrow space to reach her.
“You could see the tears in the eyes of everybody as that dog came out of the ground,” said Tony Heap, lead incident controller at SRMRT. “Everybody was focused on achieving the best outcome.” Ropes were avoided to prevent disturbing loose rocks. Rescuers had to wedge their bodies across the gap to safely complete the operation.
Once brought to the surface, Maisy greeted each rescuer before having a much-needed drink. She was checked by a vet and found to be in good condition.
A UWFRA spokesperson praised the team’s efforts, highlighting Lucy’s skill on her first callout as a pre-probationer, describing her cave expertise as a “massive asset” in the rescue.
SRMRT is a volunteer-run organisation providing 24/7 emergency rescue services across the North York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds, and nearby areas. Funded by donations, it has operated since 1965.
Originally published by UKNIP.
