The Region - News from June 9, 1987

A man who suffered a broken ankle while walking along the rocky shore beneath the Dana Point cliffs was airlifted to safety by helicopter. The man’s identity was not immediately available. Orange County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Tom Conner said two men were walking at the base of the cliff, north of Dana Point Harbor and below Scenic Drive, about 8 p.m. when one slipped and broke his ankle. His companion then walked back and summoned the Sheriff’s Department, Conner said. Conner said that because of difficulty in getting to the treacherous cliff area from the sea, Dana Point Harbor Patrol deputies donned wet suits and swam to the injured man. He was then assisted to cables from a hovering helicopter that flew him to a nearby hospital about 10 p.m. The accident happened shortly after high tide of 5.9 feet.