Man Seriously Injured, Dog Dies When Pair Fall 35 Feet Onto Beach in CDM

A man was seriously injured -- and his dog was killed -- after they fell from the rocks at Pirate's Cove in Corona del Mar early today, a fire official reported.

At about 6:50 a.m., Newport Beach firefighters and police officers responded to the incident after witnesses called 911. Jennifer Schulz, Newport Beach Fire Department spokeswoman, said the man and his dog were walking along the rocks when they lost their footing and fell about 35 feet to the sandy beach below.

"It was determined the best way to rescue the individual was via the Harbor Patrol boat," Schulz explained. "The victim was loaded with Newport Beach Fire Paramedics onto the Orange County Sheriff’s Department boat and taken to an awaiting Newport Beach medic van."

The man was transported in serious condition to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. The dog perished at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the fall, Schulz said.