Coast Guard rescues injured man stranded on cliff near Depoe Bay on Oregon coast Saturday

DEPOE BAY, Ore. — U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued a man from a cliff near Depoe Bay on the Oregon coast Saturday morning after he hurt his ankle and couldn’t climb up to safety.

A Coast Guard helicopter crew was called out to help the man at about 10 a.m. Saturday to help the injured 25-year-old, who was stuck on a cliffside at Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint about 10 feet above the water level.

“Due to rising tide conditions and the subject’s location, first responders determined additional assistance was required to safely recover the individual,” U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District said.

The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew made it to the viewpoint at about 10:25 a.m., hoisted the man up from the cliffside and took him to the hospital.

“Rescues like this highlight the importance of programs like the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School, which focuses on training for contingencies such as inland search and rescue and cliffside rescue,” Lt. Travis Weaver, who was the pilot in the rescue, said in a press release. “Being able to train for events like this before they happen make for safe and effective rescues when our partners call on us for help.”