Paraglider clings to cliff

Photo: Contributed - Mark Denesiuk

Update: 5:40 p..m.:  Search manager Leigh Pearson tells Castanet the man trapped on the side of the cliff has been rescued.

A helicopter flown in from Penticton was used to save the man.

Pearson says the paraglider was brought by helicopter to the staging area where he was transported by ambulance to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. His injuries appear to be minor according to Pearson.

A man is clinging to a cliff near Lavington, after crashing his paraglider Monday afternoon.

Vernon Search and Rescue along with BC Ambulance have been called to the scene.

Search manager Leigh Pearson says it appears the man launched from a known paragliding and hang gliding point near Noble Canyon, before smashing into the cliff side.

“He has a radio with him and we have been in communication with him since we got the call around 2 p.m.,” says Pearson.

“He is doing good, but is stuck and does have some injuries. He is getting dehydrated as it’s pretty hot out here, but he is mobile to find some shade.”

Unfortunately the man’s location is proving extremely difficult to get to and while search and rescue are preparing to perform a high angle rescue they believe their best option is to call in a helicopter from Penticton.

Pearson says it will be a matter of who can reach the man first, the high angle team or the helicopter, but the helicopter will have better access once on site.

“The helicopter will take about 30 minutes to get here and then they will drop a line to him.”

Castanet will have more information as it becomes available.

If you have any photos or video from the scene please send to [email protected]