Don't look down: The rescue helicopter hovers above the cliff ledge as the tide rises. Photo / Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust
A man knocked out of his boat scaled a rocky ledge but had to be winched to safety when he became trapped as the tide came in today.
The 66-year-old man called for help on a handheld marine radio after he fell from his boat into the Tongaporutu River in Taranaki at 8.40am.
He scaled a ledge at the base of a nearby cliff on the river mouth's northern side. The man was stuck there as the tide came in.
But he was well-equipped with good clothing and a lifejacket, police said.
The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was sent from New Plymouth.
The man was winched from the ledge by the helicopter and treated by a paramedic at the scene for minor cuts.Police said the man was wise and calm.
"He did all the right things and the rescue went without incident," police said.
Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter crewman Andy Cronin said weather conditions in the area were relatively good this morning.
The cause of the accident was not yet confirmed."We winched him from there on to the top of the cliff," Mr Cronin said.
"He seemed in good spirits to us."
A St John medic at the scene checked the man over and confirmed he was not injured.
Mr Cronin praised the man, who he said was well-equipped and kept a cool head.
"It was great to pick someone up who was well-prepared."
Mr Cronin said the man had a lifejacket and a Sharkskin-type jacket ideal for people going boating in small vessels.
"He had the right gear for the conditions."
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.