A young Austrian tourist has survived a terrifying six-metre fall from a popular coastal rock formation in Victoria, sparking a complex emergency rescue operation.
Dramatic Cliff Fall at Bushrangers Bay
The incident occurred around 1:15pm on Saturday at Bushrangers Bay near the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. The 25-year-old woman was climbing the roughly 12-metre-tall Elephant Rock when she slipped from a steep ledge.
Emergency services rushed to the scene where they discovered the woman unconscious and choking on water. Paramedic Jo Wilton told 9News that the woman was missing teeth, indicating a likely head injury. "On further examination, it looks like a hip injury, a wrist injury as well," Ms Wilton added.
Rescue crews faced challenging conditions, carrying equipment across rough terrain and beaches. They moved the injured woman to higher ground on a stretcher to prevent her from being caught by the incoming tide.
Complex Aerial Rescue Operation
The woman was eventually winched to safety by Ambulance Victoria's Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). She was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne with what were described as serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Ms Wilton explained the dangers of the site, noting "There's no actual tracks to get up to it, and on the way down, she has fallen, where there might have been some loose rocks." She emphasised the risks to rescue crews operating in such terrain.
A Series of Holiday Season Incidents
This rescue was one of several emergency call-outs in Victoria during the Christmas period, highlighting the dangers holidaymakers can face.
On Christmas Day, a woman and her stepson needed rescuing after going paddleboarding from Portarlington caravan park jetty, west of Geelong. Conditions deteriorated rapidly, and they drifted into the bay without lifejackets. A rescue helicopter spotted them lying on their boards and waving for help after they had been swept more than 10km. The family later expressed their gratitude, stating they were "exhausted, very shaken and feel so lucky we were able to stay together."
In another incident, a mother and her two teenage daughters were winched to safety by helicopter after encountering difficulty while kayaking near Corinella jetty. They were attempting to retrieve a drifting kayak when strong currents and winds swept them from shore. Fortunately, they were wearing lifejackets and escaped injury.
Life Saving Victoria used the opportunity to remind the public that "Kayaking requires constant awareness and good decision-making. Conditions can change quickly."
A third incident on Christmas Day saw a 41-year-old man rescued after his kayak rolled on Lake King in Paynesville. He was spotted struggling by search teams and was returned unharmed to shore by the coastguard.
Safety Reminders for Adventurous Tourists
These consecutive incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of coastal activities and the importance of proper preparation. Key safety advice includes:
- Always check weather and tidal conditions before entering the water or attempting coastal climbs.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment, including lifejackets for water activities.
- Stick to marked paths and tracks when exploring coastal areas.
- Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
- Be aware that emergency services also face significant risks during rescue operations in difficult terrain.
The Austrian tourist remains in hospital receiving treatment for her injuries. Her experience underscores how quickly a holiday adventure can turn into a life-threatening situation.
