Couple rescued from cliff in Victoria 'grateful but deeply embarrassed'
A couple rescued from a crumbling cliff on Victoria's Phillip Island said they have been left "Very grateful and deeply embarrassed" by the ordeal.
Derek and Gean Russell, aged in their 60s, walked onto the cliff at Cape Woolamai on Sunday around 11.30am.
The couple was stranded on the cliff top they had walked on many times before.
Rescued couple Derek and Gean Russell said they were 'deeply embarrassed' by the situation.
They had made the trek a number of times before, but on this venture the cliff began to crumble when they made ready to leave.
With a 100-metre drop beneath them, Mr Russell told 7 News, "when the land was crumbling away ... under our feet ... You were frightened weren't you, Gean? I was having a panic attack."
The couple would be left perched atop their favourite bird-watching spot for several hours.
There wasn't much to do but wait.
They then called for help and a multi-agency rescue with the high Angle rescue team - Fire brigade, Air wing and paramedics - all working together to bring them back to safety.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the couple was rescued from the cliff shortly before 3pm.
They were rescued after about four hours.
"Paramedics were talking to them on the phone," she told AAP.
"They had no medical problems and no injuries, and they had plenty of water.
"At one stage the emergency services were considering a winch rescue but it was decided the safest option was to use the ropes to rescue them, and they are fine."
News break - January 24
