On January 17, 2026, a spaniel named Bracken plunged from a cliff edge while exploring his family’s garden in Sedbury, England. Within just under 30 minutes, a coordinated effort by 25 volunteers and professional rescue teams hauled the pup back to safety, leaving him unharmed and wagging his tail in gratitude.
At a Glance
- Bracken fell 65 feet into a river but was rescued by a 25-person team.
- The operation lasted less than half an hour and involved SARA, HM Coastguard Chepstow, and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue.
- The owner, David Trevelyan, a risk consultant, praised the teams and joked about the incident.
- Why it matters: The swift, collaborative rescue showcases how community effort can save a life in a dramatic emergency.
How the Rescue Unfolded
The incident began when Bracken, curious about the garden’s lower reaches, slipped off the cliff’s edge. When his owner, David Trevelyan, realized the spaniel was missing, he quickly organized help.
Key Players
- SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) specialists
- HM Coastguard Chepstow crew
- Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters
- SARA Lifeboat 3 positioned on the river below
The Operation
- A firefighter was lowered to the ledge where Bracken was trapped.
- Using a sturdy harness and a white duffel bag, the firefighter secured the pup.
- A group of 25 people, wearing helmets, pulled both the firefighter and the bag up the slope.
- Once Bracken was out of the bag, his tail immediately started wagging.
The rescue took just under 30 minutes. SARA’s Facebook post described the scene: a group of people wearing helmets pulled up both the firefighter and the dog, who was placed in a white duffel bag with a sturdy harness. The dog’s tail wagged as soon as he was released.
Aftermath and Owner’s Perspective
Trevelyan, who inherited Bracken after his father’s death, told the BBC that he had previously worked with SARA and now found himself in a situation he could not prevent.
> “I am a sustainability and risk consultant – but that doesn’t extend to dog fencing,” he joked.
He also remarked that the rescue teams found the situation highly amusing:
> “[The rescue teams] found it highly amusing,” he added.
Bracken was reported to be absolutely fine and seemed completely unaware of what had happened. Trevelyan quipped that the spaniel had “made 25 new friends” during the ordeal.
Safety Measures
The rescue teams also prepared for the worst-case scenario. SARA Lifeboat 3 was launched and stood by on the river below, ready in case Bracken had fallen into the water.
Lessons Learned
The incident highlights several important points:
- Rapid response can drastically improve outcomes in emergencies.
- Community involvement-in this case, 25 volunteers-plays a vital role.
- Even experts in risk management can encounter unpredictable situations.
Trevelyan’s lighthearted comments underscore the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in crisis situations.
Key Takeaways
- A 65-foot fall was avoided thanks to a coordinated effort by 25 rescuers.
- The operation lasted less than 30 minutes and required a harness, a bag, and a lot of teamwork.
- Bracken emerged unharmed, wagging his tail and greeting his new friends.
- The owner’s background in risk consulting adds a layer of irony to the story.
The rescue serves as a reminder that preparedness, collaboration, and a calm mindset can turn a potentially tragic event into a heartwarming success story.
