Climber injured after falling down Lundy cliff

AN experienced climber is in North Devon District Hospital with back and head injuries after falling down a cliff on Lundy Island yesterday (Tuesday). The man had been climbing with a group when a piece of rock he grabbed came away in his hand and he fel

AN experienced climber is in North Devon District Hospital with back and head injuries after falling down a cliff on Lundy Island yesterday (Tuesday).

The man had been climbing with a group when a piece of rock he grabbed came away in his hand and he fell to the bottom.

One of his colleagues had to run to another part of the island to raise the alarm because he couldn't get a mobile phone signal.

Swansea Coastguard mobilised the rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor and the Lundy Coastguard Rescue Team also went to the scene to clear an area ready for the helicopter to land.

The climber was then airlifted to hospital. Another of his climbing colleagues who had gone down the cliff to help him was assisted back to the top by the coastguard rescue team.

David Jones, the Swansea Coastguard watch officer, said: "The man had landed in an awkward position near water, but the aircraft crew were able to airlift him from his position at the bottom of the cliffs.

"This incident shows us that even the most experienced of climbers can have accidents. However, the group did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.