A person has broken their ankle after falling off a cliff.

Emergency services scrambled to Portland after someone fell off the cliffs and into the water west of Pulpit Rock.

The person suffered a broken ankle  which was later treated by a critical care doctor and paramedics on the scene.

The initial concern was that the person may have suffered a spinal injury - but fortunately this was not the case.

Teams from Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), Wyke Coastguard, Solent Coastguard, Weymouth All Weather Lifeboat (ALB), Weymouth Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), a coastguard helicopter and South Western Ambulance Service all attended.

Upon their arrival, the injured person had been helped out of the water by coasteering staff from Adventure 4 All who had been in the area at the time of the incident.

The incident occurred on Thursday, June 20 and the coastguard team have since shared the details.

We understand the person lost their footing and fell.

A spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat Station said: "The initial concern reported to us was that it might have been a spinal injury, but in the end turned out broken ankle. Nonetheless the safest extraction route was determined to be by using the ILB, which we could get close inshore, then transfer to the ALB to bring them back to port and the awaiting ambulance - something the crews and Southwest Ambulance Service regularly practice. 

"As ever we want everyone to enjoy their time along the coast, so would remind everyone:

- Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk.

- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

- Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions.

- Always take a means of calling for help.

- Always check the weather and tides. 

- Getting cut off by the tide, although not in this specific case, is a common cause of lifeboat launches.

"We are pleased that the end result was a safe recovery. "

A spokesperson for Portland Bill CRT said: “Team tasked by Solent Coastguard along with Wyke Coastguard CRT, Weymouth Lifeboat ALB/ILB, Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Paramedics to a person who had fallen from cliffs and into the water west of Pulpit Rock suffering a lower leg injury.

“On arrival the casualty had been assisted out of the water by coasteering staff from Adventure 4 All who had been in the area at the time of the incident.

“On scene the casualty was treated for their injuries by a critical care doctor and paramedics. Once the casualty was stable it was decided the best route of extraction would be by Weymouth ILB, coastguard rescue teams manoeuvred the casualty across the shoreline to the awaiting ILB who then transferred them to the ALB in deeper water for extraction back to Weymouth to meet a awaiting ambulance.

“With the casualty safely on their way all assets were stood down and returned to their stations. We wish the casualty all the best in their recovery.

“Special thanks to the staff at Adventure 4 All who assisted the casualty prior to our arrival.”

If you find yourself or someone else in an emergency situation at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.