Thrillseeking 'base jumpers' shock diners at Rialto Towers
A group of thrill-seekers have gone to extraordinary lengths to skip out on a drinks bill - by throwing themselves off one of Melbourne's tallest skyscrapers.
The four men, dressed in business suits, ordered a cocktail each at the exclusive Vue De Monde bar on the 55th floor of Rialto Towers before leaping over the balcony.
The surprising exit left diners stunned, but restaurant owner Shannon Bennett says it was a very well planned stunt.
"They were in suits, looked really professional," he said.
"It was obviously really well planned. They had parachutes hidden under their jackets. They had helmets with cameras on and it was very well executed from them.
"They knew what they were doing, and they jumped off. They landed safely [and went] to a waiting car."
The base jumpers landed in a small area of parkland by the Yarra, just opposite the Crown Casino.
It is the only area where they could avoid cars and nearby grid of overhead tram wires.
Mr Bennett said he was concerned for his guests' safety and plans to increase security measures at the venue.
"We have important safety measures which we have always had in place," he said.
"I'm very confident with a few upgrades this can't be done again."
The identity of the jumpers remains a mystery, but Mr Bennett said the venue will use CCTV and social media sites to track them down.
The stunt drew immediate condemnation from the police, who are investigating.
Deputy Police Commissioner Kieran Walshe said: "It's not cool, it's stupid."
Witness Nick Peterson was kayaking down the Yarra with his wife Meagan when he saw the extreme sportsmen take the plunge.
"You could see them drop out from the edge of the building and half way down they deployed their shoots.
"It took about 10 or 15 seconds for them to sink below my sight line.
"It was a beautiful night in lovely Melbourne and to see that was an extra bonus for our trip down the river. It was amazing."
Many onlookers took to Twitter after witnessing the stunt.
One tweeted: "Am I going crazy? I just saw someone in a #parachute above King St."
Another posted: "Watching dudes #basejump of the Rialto. Sweet viewing."
