A CLIMBER is lucky to be alive after plunging 150 feet down a cliff.

The 28-year-old man, who fell on to the beach at Man o’War Bay near Durdle Door, escaped with serious but not life threatening injuries.

His 22-year-old climbing partner was also trapped in a crevice about 20ft down from the cliff top after falling in the dramatic incident.

The Portland Coastguard helicopter was scrambled and coastguard officers from Lulworth and Wyke Regis were also called to the scene.

The injured man was flown to the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester by the coastguard rescue helicopter. He was reported to have chest, pelvic and some internal injuries but is recovering in hospital today.

His friend was pulled to safety by the Lulworth cliff rescue team after the accident shortly before 6pm on Sunday evening. He was checked over by paramedics and found to be shaken by his ordeal but otherwise well.

Portland Coastguard watch officer Roger Hore said: “I’m very surprised he has survived such a fall, actually 150ft.

“I would say he is a very lucky chap, very lucky to be alive.”

The men, both Polish nationals living in London, were believed to be free climbing or scrambling along the cliff top without any safety equipment such as harnesses, ropes or helmets.

Mark Wilding from Weymouth watched the drama unfold. He said: “There were about three or four of them although just two seemed to be hurt.

“One guy was at the bottom putting his head in his hands and really freaking out about his friend.

“One had obviously fallen and the helicopter came in to take him out. The put him on a stretcher.

“There were loads of people nearby and everyone was really shocked.”

Coastguards warned people to be prepared and take extra care on the top of cliffs.

Allan Norman, watch manager at Portland Coastguard, said: “Due to the rapid response of both our rescue helicopter and cliff rescue team both casualties were recovered and received medical assistance quickly.

“The gentleman airlifted to hospital does not have life threatening injuries but the outcome could easily have been tragic.

“Cliffs are extremely dangerous locations; stay on the cliff path and away from the edge which can easily crumble and become treacherous.”