BRITISH CLIMBER'S DEATH FALL

51-year-old Briton dies after 40-metre fall in Polop

A 51-YEAR-OLD British man died on Wednesday following a 40-metre fall as he was climbing a mountain in Polop de la Marina.

The man was scaling the Racó de Tovaines face of Penya Roc with a fellow climber when a small rock slide broke his rope, resulting in the tragic fall just after 13.30.

The man hit the rock face several times as he fell, causing fatal injuries. As he did fall to the ground, his climbing companion managed to reach him and lower him a few metres, but was unable to get to the bottom of the rock, so he con- tacted the emergency services.

A rescue helicopter was called in and firemen managed to carry the victim 200 metres to the area where the helicopter was able to land. The injured man was still alive, but in a very serious condition.

Upon arriving at Benidorm fire station he suffered a cardiac arrest, but the SAMU emergency team were able to resuscitate and stabilise him, after which he was transferred by ambulance to Villajoyosa Hospital.

However, he did not survive the journey and was dead on arrival.

Initial reports say the two men were practising traditional climbing – where the first climber places his own protection including bolts for his hands and feet on his way up the rock face and his partner removes the protection while they follow the route.

Guardia Civil climbers who helped in the rescue operation say both men were experienced climbers.

Their identities have not been revealed so it is not known if they were residents or on holiday in the area. The ascent they were attempting normally takes around four hours, depending on the route taken.