Pensioner, 65, miraculously survives after plunging 60ft off a cliff at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset while walking with her husband
- Woman, from South Gloucs, suffered serious injuries after slipping of cliff edge
- Shocked onlookers called 999 prompting a large multi-agency response
- She was air-lifted to Southampton Hospital for treatment after being rescued
A woman has miraculously survived a 60ft cliff fall at a beauty spot.
The 65-year-old, who is thought to be from South Gloucs, was out walking with her husband when she slipped off the cliff edge at Old Harry Rocks in Swanage, Dorset.
She landed on rocks at the base of the cliffs after plummeting over the ‘almost sheer’ drop.
A woman has miraculously survived a 60ft fall in Dorset. Rescuers used a winch to reach the woman and get her to safety before she was taken to hospital by helicopter for treatment.
The incident prompted a large-scale emergency response on Friday with police, fire and ambulance services in attendance as well as multiple coastguard teams and the RNLI
Shocked onlookers called 999, prompting a major multi-agency response with pictures showing areas cordoned off and police, lifeboat, coastguard, fire and ambulance crews and two rescue helicopters in response.
Coastguard teams from Swanage backed up by the St Albans Coastguard team, Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats, South Western Ambulance and Dorset Police.
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Rescue helicopter 175, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, HEMS car also attended to assist in the rescue.
A spokesman for the Swanage Coastguard said: ‘The female had suffered some serious injuries.
‘She was air-lifted from the base of the cliff to be treated by medics on the cliff top before being flown for specialist treatment at Southampton hospital.
‘A large area was temporarily cleared and closed to allow the emergency services to work including landing two helicopters.
‘It is understood the female was close to the edge when she slipped whilst out walking.’
Old Harry Rocks in Dorset is a popular spot for walkers and photographers (file photo)
Her present condition is unknown.
In 2017, a woman in her 30s fell in a similar spot at the top of Old Harry Rocks, falling 100ft into the sea as the tide was in.
Passersby heard her cries for help and called 999, eventually guiding the coastguard to her position at which point they were able to pull her from the water.
She suffered only minor cuts and bruises.