Watch the dramatic moment climber is rescued from Dorset cliff by helicopter

As previously reported, the man became stuck in a 'precarious' and inaccessible position high on Stair Hole, west of Lulworth Cove after climbing with a friend on Saturday afternoon (November 7).

A spokesman for Maritime and Coastguard Agency said that while his friend was able to clamber back down the cliff, the other climber found himself "completely stuck 70ft up on an extremely slippery and muddy slope, with no safe way of getting back down or to the top of the cliff."

Two coastguard rescue teams, firefighters from three different stations, a search and rescue helicopter, police, and paramedics were all involved in the operation.

The video, which can be viewed below, shows a man in grey and dark clothes lying back onto the cliffs while his feet and bare hands grip onto the cliff face's rocks.

A coastguard crew member is lowered down the cliff to check on the man. He then puts a harness on the climber as they prepare to be airlifted away from the cliff. 

The video, filmed from a coastguard helicopter, then shows the coastguard and stricken man being lifted off the cliff by the helicopter and onto nearby land. 

While the climber was not injured in the incident, the rescue involved a lot of emergency services' resources during the national lockdown.

A spokesman said for Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team and Kimmeridge Coastguard, who are cliff rescue specialists, were sent and joined fire units from Weymouth, Wareham and Poole.

"It was quickly established that the safest option would be for the man to be winched off the cliff by helicopter.

A still from the footage showed how dangerously balanced he was on the side of the cliffs. Picture: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

"The St Athan coastguard helicopter was training in North Devon and sent to the man's aid.

"When they arrived the helicopter’s winch paramedic was carefully lowered to the man.

"He was secured in a harness before they were winched a short distance to the top of the cliff.

"Although cold and visibly shocked, he was checked over by the winch paramedic and otherwise well, so he was able to make his own way home.

Matt West, duty controller for HM Coastguard said: "The man was extremely lucky, one wrong footing and this could have had a very different outcome.

"We are fortunate to have really beautiful coastlines all around the UK but we want people to enjoy them and then make it home safely.

A coastguard crew member assessed him before putting a harness on him. Picture: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

"Please don’t take unnecessary risks and know your limits while visiting the coast.

"Remember, if you see someone in difficulty along the coast or at sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard to save valuable time."

A spokesman for Dorset Police warned people to exercise responsibly during the national lockdown.

He said: "Under the regulations set out by Government, all forms of exercise and open air recreation are deemed an acceptable excuse to leave your home during the current COVID-19 restrictions. 

"However, we would always advise people to consider their actions and the impact on others and avoid taking any unnecessary risks that could place an additional strain on emergency services that are doing all they can to keep the public safe.

"For more information visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-faqs/."

Did you see what happened? Got a Dorset story you would like me to share or investigate? Contact me at 01305 830999 or email michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk.