[UPDATE From Shelter Cove Fire] Copter Rescuing Man Stranded 20–25 Feet Down Cliff in Shelter Cove

Chopper medical rescue flight path as captured on FlightRadar.

A 55-year-old man who slipped about 20 to 25 feet down a cliff at the end of Dolphin Drive near Little Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove is in the process of being rescued as of 2:45 p.m. this afternoon, according to traffic over the scanner.

The man was reported to be ambulatory but unable to climb back up the steep cliff face. Local first responders reached the top of the bluff but were unable to safely access him from above.

A Cal Fire U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, visible on FlightRadar24 under tail number N454DF, began hovering over the area around 2:42 p.m. and continues to hold position during what we believe will be a hoist operation.

No further details on injuries or how the man went over the edge have been released. We’ve reached out to Shelter Cove Fire District for more information.

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: Press release from Shelter Cove Fire District:

[Photo from Shelter Cove Fire]

At approximately 1:45 p.m. today, a 55-year-old male suffered a fall of nearly 50 feet while attempting to cross a narrow land bridge in the area of Little Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove, California.Shelter Cove Fire Department (SCFD) responded immediately, with a Duty Officer, two engines, and an ambulance. Additional mutual-aid resources were automatically requested due to the  technically challenging location. Responding agencies included Cal Fire’s Whitethorn Station, the Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue Team, and City Ambulance out of Garberville.

Upon arrival, SCFD’s Officer located the patient at the bottom of a steep embankment with minor to moderate injuries.

[Photo from Shelter Cove Fire]

Given the dangerous terrain, patient’s injuries, and SCFD’s previous joint training with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Cal Fire, the Duty Officer determined that a hoist rescue would be the safest and most efficient option.The U.S. Coast Guard was initially requested, as one of their aircraft was already operating north of Shelter Cove. However, the aircraft was unable to complete the mission due to fuel limitations. Fortunately, Cal Fire’s new Fire Hawk helicopter, Copter 616, was available and promptly accepted the rescue assignment.

Copter 616 arrived on scene and executed a hoist rescue, safely lifting the patient from the hazardous terrain. The patient was then transferred to awaiting SCFD and ambulance personnel for assessment and transport to a local hospital.

Shelter Cove Fire extends its gratitude to all mutual-aid partners whose teamwork and rapid coordination contributed to the successful outcome of this rescue.

[Photo from Shelter Cove Fire]