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Stranded skipper airlifted after clinging to cliff

Jonathan MorrisSouth West
Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue The picture shows a Coastguard rescue helicopter on the ground at night with its lights blazing so brightly that they spill across the grass around it. The rotors are spinning, creating a blurred circular halo above the aircraft. The helicopter’s red and white body stands out against the darkness, and the tail light glows with a bright red ring.Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue
The casualty was airlifted from Bolberry to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth

A yacht skipper who was left clinging to a cliff after his boat foundered on rocks has been airlifted to safety.

The drama started at about 19:30 BST on Thursday when Falmouth Coastguard took a 999 call reporting a vessel aground at Bolberry, near Kingsbridge in south Devon.

Teams from Kingsbridge Coastguard and both Salcombe lifeboats found the stricken boat smashed against the rocks and debris floating in the water, but no sign of anyone on board.

A coastguard helicopter from Newquay was called in when shouts for help were heard high up on the cliff. Lifeboat crews spotted the survivor about 330ft (100m) above the sea, clinging to a steep section of cliff, said coastguards.

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue The picture shows a group of Coastguard rescue crews working around a casualty in the dark, lit only by their powerful head‑torches and the glow from their gear. The rescuers are wearing bright yellow jackets, helmets and protective trousers, and their reflective strips shine brightly against the black night behind them.Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue
Rescue teams were called from Kingsbridge, Salcombe, the Yealm, and Newquay

Coastguards were lowered down on ropes to reach the stranded casualty, who was pulled back up to safety.

Rescue teams from Kingsbridge and the Yealm, along with the helicopter's paramedic, treated the person at the top of the cliff before they were flown to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Coastguards thanked the member of the public who dialled 999, saying the outcome could have been "much different" without that call. The stricken yacht is awaiting recovery.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "The success of this incident came down to seamless teamwork.

"An outstanding effort from everyone involved, and we wish the casualty a swift recovery."

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