**Seven Tourists Rescued from Cliff Face in New South Wales**
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On Sunday, 19 April 2026, a family of seven from New South Wales found themselves in a precarious situation when they became trapped on the side of a cliff while exploring the coastline of southeastern Australia. The group, which included three children and four adults, was walking along the water’s edge when they were caught off guard by a sudden rise in tide alongside a significant swell.
The incident prompted a rapid response from local rescue services, as the family sought refuge by climbing approximately 30 feet up the cliff face to avoid being swept away by the incoming waves. The situation quickly escalated into what the New South Wales (NSW) State Emergency Service (SES) described as a “very serious scenario”.
Peter Collins, the local SES commander in Eurobodalla, spearheaded the rescue operation. In an interview with ABC News, Collins recounted the would-be harrowing scene as he surveyed the individuals stranded on the cliff. “I walked up there and saw the seven people, and… huge waves almost breaking over them,” he remarked. Recognising the potential severity of the situation, he knew immediate action was necessary.
Recognising the danger posed by the turbulent waters below, local police concluded that the use of a helicopter for the rescue would be unsafe. Consequently, they summoned the expertise of the NSW SES to carry out a more complex vertical extraction procedure. Collins emphasised the risks involved, explaining that the helicopter’s rotor wash could inadvertently dislodge the family members from their precarious position.
Over the course of more than three hours, SES personnel worked diligently to execute the risky rescue, retrieving each person one at a time. The operation required an operator to be lowered over 130 feet down the cliff face, showcasing both the skill and courage of the rescue teams involved. The process entailed meticulous coordination and the use of specialised equipment to ensure the safety of the family members during their ascent.
The first to be brought to safety was a young girl who was reported to be showing signs of hypothermia when she was hoisted from the cliff face. Rescue workers noted that the family was extremely anxious, with Collins describing them as “very white-knuckled and hanging on for dear life.” Nonetheless, the group expressed profound relief upon reaching solid ground.
Despite being exhausted and chilled from their ordeal, the family members expressed gratitude for their safe return to high ground. The rescue operation, while arduous, highlighted the effective collaboration and preparedness of emergency services in responding to such high-risk situations. Collins confirmed that although the experience had been challenging, the family was relieved to be back in a safe environment.
Following the incident, local authorities and the SES reiterated the importance of exercising caution when near the coast, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions. The group’s experience serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when tides and weather turn, especially in unfamiliar landscapes.
The NSW State Emergency Service, committed to promoting safety awareness, urged the public to remain vigilant and seek appropriate guidance when venturing into areas close to coastal cliffs. As they continue to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the rescue, the SES is keen to share insights that could potentially prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of those enjoying Australia’s beautiful coastal regions.
While the rescued family is recovering from the incident, the efforts of local rescue teams stand as a testament to the bravery and skill of those who dedicate their lives to preserving public safety in unpredictable environments.