Elderly man falls 60m down steep bank

Photo / File

An elderly man has been winched to safety after falling 60 metres down a steep bank onto rocks at Castor Bay this afternoon.

The 85-year-old fell from the rear of his Beach Rd property this afternoon.

He lost consciousness for a couple of hours before he was able to ring emergency services at about 3pm on his cell phone, police said.

He was unable to move due to injuries and was in considerable pain.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, including a Fire Service rope rescue team from Auckland city fire station.

They abseiled down the cliff and a police officer used a kayak to locate him from the water.

Immediate medical assistance was given before the Westpac Helicopter was called in to winch him up.

It is understood he received multiple fractures.

He is reported to be in a serious but stable condition in Auckland Hospital.

Castor Bay, between Milford and Campbells Bay, forms part of Auckland's East Coast Bays.