Climber saved in bold cliff rescue

A woman climbing a route in the Tremadoc Cliffs, Wales was rescued by a UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter after she fell a reported 10 m (30 ft) from the cliff face on 28 August. She sustained back and shoulder injuries.

Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue were dispatched along with the Coastguard helicopter, which is based at Caernarfon. The woman was about 15 m (50 ft) off the ground when she slipped. Her first safety device failed, meaning she fell further down the cliff face than she should have.

When Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue arrived, a member of their team abseiled down to the woman, who had been lowered to a ledge by her partner who was climbing with her at the time. The search and rescue helicopter then arrived and winched the woman up to the helicopter. She was then transferred to Bangor Hospital where she was kept in for one night’s observation.

Captain Duncan Clarke, search and rescue pilot for the UK Coastguard Caernarfon helicopter, said: “This was quite a challenging rescue, given the location of the casualty on a rock ledge and the risks of operating a helicopter close to the rock face above those involved. The skills of the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue team were key in the success of the operation and it was a great example of the close working relationship between ourselves and the Mountain Rescue Teams; we’re delighted she’s made a fully recovery.”

The woman was incredibly grateful of the rescue: “Without doubt, to reach me took incredible flying skill and dedication to fly so close to rocks and I cannot thank the crews enough for bringing me to safety.”