Two dogs saved after plummeting deep into Matlock mine shaft

Two lucky dogs have dodged death after falling more than 11m down an abandoned mine shaft in rural Victoria, sparking a huge rescue mission.

Emergency services attend a remote high angle rescue east of Melbourne after two dogs plummeted 11 metres deep into a mineshaft.

Two lucky dogs have dodged death after falling 11m down an abandoned mine shaft in rural Victoria.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports the dogs were stuck down the mine shaft in Matlock, near Marysville, about 2.30pm Saturday.

SES Marysville said on Facebook the dogs fell into a mine shaft located deep in the bush in a steep and slippery gully about 75km east of Marysville

The high angle rescue required the SES unit to assist alongside Woods Point CFA unit, who travelled more than half a kilometre down a steep decline to the mine shaft.

“Skilled in remote search and rescue, two of our members loaded up their packs and began identifying a path in while Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA crews prepared technical rescue equipment on the main road,” an SES spokesperson said.

“SES laid track markers and glow sticks to guide the way down the spur, which dropped almost 200m of elevation over the half kilometre walk in.”

Emergency services required extensive lighting, warm shelter and rescue equipment for the mission.

The two dogs were saved with minor injuries.

“Happily, we located the dogs’ owners near the bottom of the gully, with both dogs safely extricated with minor injuries,” an SES spokesperson said.

“The dogs were both wearing GPS trackers, however signal was lost when they fell into the 11m deep, disused, and overgrown mine shaft.

“Fortunately, the owner was able to hear them while searching before calling emergency services for help.

“With the temperature plummeting after sunset, we were pleased to be able to hike back up with our packs, following the carefully laid track markers, returning home around 8.30pm. “More importantly, we were very pleased to be able to provide a few extra pats and belly rubs to the two friendly pups!”