San Francisco, Fort Funston: Firefighters rescue dog after plunging from cliff
A dog is back on solid ground after a terrifying cliffside rescue at one of San Francisco’s most perilous beaches.
While playing with another pup on October 28, the brown and white dog slipped off an oceanside bluff at Fort Funston, where sheer drops can plunge nearly 60 meters to the sand below.
The animal landed on a narrow ledge and clung there for about 20 minutes as rescue crews scrambled to the scene.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a video released by the San Francisco Police Department, firefighters can be seen using a high-angle rigging system to lower themselves down the cliff face and haul the stranded dog back to safety.
Watch the entire video of the rescue in the player above.
The frightened dog was alert as the rescue team did their best to get to him as waves crashed beneath them.
People reported that officials at the scene shared that the animal appeared “conscious, alert, and able to walk on its own after being brought to safety.”
In an updated post to X, the San Francisco Fire Department said, “We had low-angle rescue utilising the crews from Station 19 near Stonestown”.
“We received a dog 40 feet over the cliff who was not injured and has been returned to its owner.”
Authorities said a San Francisco police drone operator happened to be nearby when he spotted the 40-pound animal and called for help.
“He was happy. He knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail. He was giving everyone kisses,” Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca shared.
He urged visitors to use caution along the area’s unmarked trails, particularly with dogs and children.
“You may think that it’s a little berm or a hill, but it is a significant drop.”
Captain Menchaca noted firefighters have rescued people from the same cliffs “numerous times” before. While his team is well-trained for such emergencies, he said prevention is key.
“One of the best ways to not get hurt on these cliffs and our beautiful seaside parts of San Francisco is to stay on the marked paths,” he said.
