Rescue personnel say a youth is lucky to be alive after he fell up to 40 metres from cliff at Ellendale Pool.

The teenager, believed to be 17 years old, was winched to safety by an RAC helicopter late on Saturday and transferred to Geraldton Regional Hospital.

It is understood he was discharged from hospital yesterday following treatment for a fractured cheekbone, broken toe, broken nose, bruising and cuts but was otherwise unharmed.

Witnesses said the youth, who was on a camping trip with a Geraldton Christian group, fell when he lost his footing as he climbed out of a cave after being stung by some bees.

Deputy unit manger of Geraldton State Emergency Services Michael Standley said two SES workers abseiled down the cliff to access the boy.

“Three of his friends were with him when we got there and he was in good spirits,” he said.

“He was very lucky. It was horrible ground. He was lucky to stop where he did.”

Emergency services were initially called to the area at about 2.30pm.

Police, St John Ambulance and Fire and Emergency Services Authority personnel also provided assistance in the rescue.

The helicopter arrived on the scene from Perth at 5.30pm.

Following a delicate operation, the youth was lowered to the base of the cliff on a stretcher by SES workers.

He was then winched to safety by the helicopter and fl own to Geraldton Regional Hospital before 11pm.

A FESA spokesperson said the youth’s friends helped stabilise him on the ledge, about 20 metres above the ground.

The spokesperson said a member of the public helped ambulance staff ferry equipment across water at the base of the cliff with a kayak.