Six people were rescued after dropping down a cliff near Davenport Beach, north of Santa Cruz, yesterday, turning a coastal climb into a heart-stopping emergency. The group had been scaling the bluffs when part of their rope system failed, leaving some stranded on the cliff face and others tumbling to the sand below. Multiple agencies scrambled into a high-angle rope operation and pulled everyone to safety.
How crews recovered the group
According to KRON4, a rope snapped during the climb and three people fell roughly 30 to 40 feet onto the beach while three others became stuck partway up the cliff face. Firefighters rigged ropes and harnesses and used lines attached to a ladder truck where necessary to lower rescuers and haul the stranded people to the top. The three who fell were treated at the scene and rushed to nearby hospitals by ambulance; officials said one patient was in critical condition and two suffered moderate injuries.
Multi-agency response and limited air support
Cal Fire CZU, the City of Santa Cruz Fire Department, California State Parks, American Medical Response and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene, coordinating the rope rescue. Heavy fog in the area prevented helicopters from being used, forcing crews to rely on technical rope systems and ladder access. The incident follows a run of rescues and at least one recent cliff fatality on this stretch of Highway 1, a pattern noted in a run of rescues on this stretch.
Why rescues along Davenport are often complicated
Officials say steep bluffs, narrow pocket beaches and rapidly changing tides make the Davenport-Bonny Doon coastline especially hazardous, and weather like heavy fog can remove the option of air evacuation. NOAA tide predictions and local park warnings are useful planning tools for beachgoers and can show how quickly conditions may change. Past rescues in the area have required hoists and high-angle rope work, as local broadcasters have documented, including previous cliff extractions reported by KSBW.
Authorities reiterated that cliffs are unstable and urged visitors to stay above marked lines and to call 911 if they see someone in danger. Emergency crews said they will continue to monitor the coastline and evaluate access points to reduce risky climbs.
