Fire Crews Rappel Down Pacifica Cliff In Dark To Rescue Stranded Hiker
PACIFICA (CBS SF) -- Fire crews rappelled roughly 200 feet down a Pacifica cliff in the dark to rescue a stranded hiker Saturday evening, fire officials said.
Firefighters and members of the North County Fire Authority technical rescue crew responded to the area of Palmetto Avenue and Westline Drive at 5:40 p.m. on a report of a stranded hiker, fire officials said.
Fire crews found a woman who had fallen down the side of a cliff near Mussel Rock Park. Due to the location, fire officials said rescue crews had to rappel roughly 200 feet down the cliff to rescue her, navigating the steep slope in the dark.
In a statement, fire officials said it was a "difficult and time-consuming operation."
The rescue crews made contact with the hiker and assessed her for injuries. Once she was stabilized, firefighters placed her in the rescue basket and brought the woman up the side of the cliff.
The hiker had moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital, fire officials said.
The rescue took roughly two and a half hours, fire officials said. Five fire companies, a technical rescue unit, and a chief officer took part in the rescue.
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