03/03/2004

Pensioner survives 150ft horror fall

A 66-year-old man has had a lucky escape after falling 150ft off a cliff – suffered only minor injuries and hypothermia.

Shortly after 1am, Portland Coastguard received a request from Devon & Cornwall Police to help in their search for a man who had been reported missing in the Sidmouth area.

Two hours later an inshore rescue boat crew heard cries for help coming from somewhere on the cliffs at High Peak, to the West of Sidmouth. Coastguards then discovered the man who was 150 feet down the cliff and in a precarious position, after having his fall broken by a tree.

Rescue teams lowered a man down the cliff and were amazed to find that the man had sustained only minor injuries and hypothermia. He was later airlifted to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Jim Anderson, Portland Coastguard Watch Manager, said: "This was an excellent rescue operation that got this man to hospital as quickly as possible. He is making a good recovery and is very lucky to have survived the fall and the fact that he only suffered minor injuries is remarkable."

(gmcg)

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