A dramatic rescue operation unfolded at a popular Australian beach after a young tourist fell from a significant height.
Dramatic Cliff Fall at Picturesque Bay
A 25-year-old woman from Austria was left unconscious and choking on water after slipping and falling approximately 20 feet (six metres) from a cliffside. The incident occurred at Bushrangers Bay, a scenic spot within the Mornington Peninsula National Park near Melbourne, known for its rugged beauty.
Emergency services were called to the area of Cape Schanck in Flinders at around 1.15pm on Saturday. It is believed the tourist had attempted to climb the near 40-foot (12 metre) face of the landmark known as Elephant Rock before losing her footing during her descent.
Complex Rescue in Challenging Conditions
Paramedics and rescue crews faced difficult terrain to reach the injured woman. They had to walk across rough ground and carry their equipment along the beach, all while navigating the threat of a rising tide.
"We walked across the rough terrain to reach her, and rescuers had to carry their equipment along the beach, and so it’s very dangerous for our crews as well," said Jo Wilton, a paramedic involved in the operation, in an interview with 9News.
Once stabilised, the woman was moved to higher ground on a stretcher. To ensure her swift evacuation, an air ambulance was deployed to winch her to safety. She was then flown to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne for treatment.
Injuries and Safety Warnings
While her injuries were serious, including missing teeth and potential damage to her hip and wrist, they are not believed to be life-threatening. Paramedic Jo Wilton suggested that loose rocks on the unofficial path likely contributed to the fall.
"There’s no actual tracks to get up to it, and on the way down, she has fallen, where there might have been some loose rocks," Wilton explained, issuing a caution to other visitors about the inherent dangers of the unstable cliff face.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with climbing in coastal areas, especially where there are no designated safe paths. The tourist remains in hospital receiving care for her non-life-threatening injuries.
