Loyal dog left to die by rescuers after staying by the side of his injured owner
We all know our furry friends are unwaveringly loyal to the soil, but seeing just how far a dog's devotion goes in a deadly situation is a whole different ballgame.
Beachgoers were left devastated as they watched a tragedy unfold at Cotty's Point in Perranporth, Cornwall, at around 4.30pm on Wednesday (27 March).
A man had been walking his four-legged friend along the beauty spot when they suddenly became stranded after their route was cut off by the rapidly incoming tide.
Emergency services were alerted to the issue by onlookers who heard the bloke's screams after he reportedly fell from the coastal path which was situated above a rocky area, while his canine companion clung to his side.
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Coastguard rescue teams from St Agnes and Newquay raced through the 'huge waves' which had begun to engulf the beach, while a coastguard helicopter and a St Agnes RNLI lifeboat also joined in the efforts.
A chilling video taken by an onlooker captured the daring rescue mission on camera and shows how the dog walker was yanked from the sea and then airlifted to safety.
But tragically, although 'every effort was made' to also save his loyal pet which had stayed by his side, the dog was swept away by the waves and crew members were unable to reach it.
Two coastguard teams continued to desperately search for the animal while the man was being tended to, while Edge Safety Officers were put in place to look for the dog over the cliffs and among the rocks below.
One crew member later managed to spot the animal in distress, although it was too dangerous for them to reach it.
Bystander Steve Finnay, 49, explained people 'quickly realised someone might be in trouble' when the helicopter started swarming overhead.
"Shortly afterwards, a RNLI lifeboat came across to help them," he said. "It was all very dramatic - they took him to hospital but couldn't reach the dog in time. They made a very brave attempt though."
Witness Bruce Hargrave told Cornwall Live that the tide was 'coming in fast' and the beach below the cliffs was 'underwater' as the rescuers got to work.
He added: "The man had fallen onto the rocks and hurt his leg. His dog had stayed by his side.
"As I left the scene, coastguard personnel on the cliffs were rigging ropes so that they could descend safely to the rocks to continue the search for the man's dog."
A spokesman for St Agnes Coastguard said of the incident: "We extend our condolences to the individual who lost their beloved dog in this incident.
"After some time, St Agnes rescue officer Tom spotted the dog, but unfortunately after every effort was made to try and retrieve it, we were unable to.
"The primary duty of the St Agnes Coastguard is to save lives and conduct rescues. It is always challenging when our efforts do not result in the outcome we strive for.
"We are deeply saddened by the outcome of this particular mission."
Olivia Burke