Climber survives 150ft cliff fall

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/dorset/8032316.stm

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A climber is in hospital after falling 150ft (45m) from cliffs at a coastal beauty spot in Dorset.

The 28-year-old, from north London, is thought to have been climbing without any safety equipment when he fell near Durdle Door on Sunday evening.

He suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.

His 22-year-old friend was trapped in a crevice about 20ft (6m) down from the cliff top when rescuers arrived shortly before 1800 BST.

Roger Hore, Portland Coastguard watch officer, said: "I'm very surprised he has survived such a fall, actually 150ft.

"I would say he is a very lucky chap, very lucky to be alive."

The outcome could easily have been tragic Allan Norman, Portland Coastguard

He said both men, Polish nationals who live in Wembley, were believed to be free climbing or scrambling along the cliff top without any safety equipment such as harnesses, ropes or helmets.

The man who fell was airlifted from the beach to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester with suspected serious chest and pelvic injuries.

His friend was helped to the top of the cliff by Lulworth Coastguard rescue officers.

He was checked over by paramedics and found to be shaken but unhurt.

Allan Norman, watch manager at Portland Coastguard, said: "Due to the rapid response of both our rescue helicopter and cliff rescue team both casualties were recovered and received medical assistance quickly.

"The gentleman airlifted to hospital does not have life-threatening injuries but the outcome could easily have been tragic.

"Cliffs are extremely dangerous locations - stay to the cliff path and away from the edge, which can easily crumble and become treacherous."