81-year-old man falls 19m off Karekare Beach track — and survives

An 81-year-old man is winched into the Westpac rescue helicopter after he fell 19m down a bank on Karekare Beach in west Auckland. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter

An 81-year-old man fell 19m down a bank off a walking track yesterday.

The man was found on sand dunes on Karekare Beach in West Auckland about 2.10pm yesterday.

An Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedic and doctor walked to the patient, accompanied by ambulance staff.

Rescuers initially thought they would be able to carry him out but his condition deteriorated and he had to be winched out by the helicopter.

Overhanging trees were cut to help the rescue.

He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

Rescuers initially thought they would be able to carry the man out but his condition deteriorated and he had to be winched out by the helicopter. Photo / Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter