NSW: Man injured while base jumping

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2001
NSW: Man injured while base jumping

SYDNEY, April 25 AAP - A man was battered against a cliff face as he dropped more than
100 metres when a base jump went horribly wrong in Sydney's Royal National Park today.

The 31-year-old adventurer suffered serious injuries to his lower back and spine and
a broken pelvis and legs.

The incident happened in an area north of Garie Beach, on the southern edge of Sydney's
metropolitan area.

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter operations manager Stephen Leahy said the base
jump took a turn for the worst when the man was caught in a downdraught.

"His chute collapsed and (he) hit the cliff wall on at least three occasions," Mr Leahy said.

"He fell more than 100 metres down the face of the cliffs and over several small rock
ledges, landing at the base of the cliff face."

Surf lifesavers swam from their rescue boat to the rock ledge and a team from the Garie
Surf Lifesaving Club provided initial treatment.

A doctor and two paramedics were winched to the man from the rescue helicopter.

The man is in a serious but stable condition in Prince of Wales hospital.

AAP fs/rp/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: BASE LEAD

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