Teen survives 18m cliff plunge
Rescuers battled for four hours to help a Denmark teenager trapped between big rocks near the small coastal town at the weekend.
Walkers near Monkey Rock, a popular hiking destination, called police after hearing Daniel Williamson's screams for help about 1.45pm on Sunday.
Denmark and Albany State Emergency Service volunteers, including the vertical rescue team, Denmark police and St John Ambulance volunteers attended.
Sgt Andy Dunn said the 14-year-old had been walking alone when he lost his balance and fell between Monkey Rock and two other rocks.
"He was up on the rock, he lost his footing and fell a short distance and was wedged between the rocks," Sgt Dunn said.
"Others heard him crying for help . . . police and emergency services were notified and the SES . . . they were able to retrieve the boy and get him off to hospital."
The teenager was pulled to the top of the cliff about 5.30pm and it appeared he had dislocated his shoulder, though later it was thought he may have a chipped vertebra.
Daniel, who fell about 18m, thanked his rescuers yesterday and spoke of his relief after being returned to firm ground.
He said he had crashed through several trees in the fall.
"I just crawled back up the cliff and I kind of passed out," Daniel told Channel 9 news.
He was taken to Denmark hospital for a check-up and was transferred to the Albany Health Campus, where he was in a stable condition yesterday.
He is expected to be released from hospital today.
