Stranded skipper airlifted after clinging to cliff

A yacht skipper who was left clinging to a cliff after his boat foundered on rocks has been airlifted to safety.

The drama started at about 19:30 BST on Thursday when Falmouth Coastguard took a 999 call reporting a vessel aground at Bolberry, near Kingsbridge in south Devon.

Teams from Kingsbridge Coastguard and both Salcombe lifeboats found the stricken boat smashed against the rocks and debris floating in the water, but no sign of anyone on board.

A coastguard helicopter from Newquay was called in when shouts for help were heard high up on the cliff. Lifeboat crews spotted the survivor about 330ft (100m) above the sea, clinging to a steep section of cliff, said coastguards.

Coastguards were lowered down on ropes to reach the stranded casualty, who was pulled back up to safety.

Rescue teams from Kingsbridge and the Yealm, along with the helicopter's paramedic, treated the person at the top of the cliff before they were flown to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Coastguards thanked the member of the public who dialled 999, saying the outcome could have been "much different" without that call. The stricken yacht is awaiting recovery.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "The success of this incident came down to seamless teamwork.

"An outstanding effort from everyone involved, and we wish the casualty a swift recovery."

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