U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescues dog who fell off cliff along Oregon coast; Leo’s reported doing well

CANNON BEACH, Ore. (KTVZ) – A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew from Astoria came to the rescue of a dog that fell from a cliff on New Year’s Day at Ecola State Park on the Oregon coast, and he’s said to be recovering well.

Coast Guard crews worked with fire departments from Cannon Beach, Nehalem Bay and Seaside to ensure a safe rescue after the accident, reported around 2:15 p.m. Monday

First responders were setting up to rappel down the cliff when the Coast Guard crew arrived. A rescue swimmer was deployed and moved the dog into a hoisting basket, officials said.

The helicopter landed in a parking lot at 4:15 p.m. to reunite Leo with his owners.

The owner told the Coast Guard on Tuesday, “Leo stayed overnight at an emergency vet. He has a few cuts and bruises.”

“All things considered, he is doing good,” the owner added. “We are so thankful he is alive and expected to recover.”

Cannon Beach Rural Fire Department said the accident and rescue happened in the same area as a previous call regarding a dog over the cliff.

“Although the coast is beautiful, it is not perfectly safe,” the fire department said in a Facebook post. “We’d like to remind everyone to keep dogs on leash when hiking unless otherwise stated ‘Dogs Allowed Off Leash’ on the state park website.”