A family of four adults and three children was dramatically rescued from a cliff face in Eurobodalla, New South Wales, on 21/4, after being stranded by dangerously high tides and powerful waves. Rescue workers from the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) executed a challenging rope rescue operation that lasted over three hours.

The family had been walking on a beach in eastern Australia when the tide unexpectedly rose, blocking their access to the shore. With waves reaching up to 4,8 meters, they were forced to climb a nearly vertical cliff face, where they became trapped as the rough seas continued to pound below them.

"I arrived and saw seven people, with powerful waves below almost engulfing them", recounted Pete Collins, commander of the SES in Eurobodalla, on 24/4. "The worst thing was if the waves rose a little higher, they would be swept out to sea". This was the first time Australian officials provided details about the harrowing rescue.

Initially, rescue forces considered a helicopter for the operation. However, upon arrival, they realized the helicopter's rotor wash could dislodge the trapped individuals from the cliff. Collins and his team then opted for a rope rescue, rappelling from the cliff's summit, despite the inherent risk of sharp rock fragments severing the rescue ropes.

Rescue workers alternately descended the 40-meter cliff, reaching the family members and bringing them up one by one. The youngest child, showing signs of hypothermia, was prioritized for rescue.

The scene of the rescue operation for the group trapped on a cliff in Eurobodalla, New South Wales on 21/4. Photo: Facebook/NSW SES

"When we pulled them off the cliff, their hands were gripping so tightly they were white, but everyone was relieved to finally reach the top", Collins recalled. He added that everyone was "exhausted" at the rescue's conclusion, "but everything turned out well, and I am very proud of my team". Officials emphasized the critical timing of the operation, stating that a slight delay or a 30 cm increase in wave height could have resulted in the entire family being swept into the sea.

Hong Hanh (According to GMA)