ROCK CLIMBING 23rd February 2007 - Fatal ground fall, Wauchope, NSW
Peter Hodgkinson
On the Friday evening, Andrew Finlayson was scouting out some new
lines with three other people (including two family members).
He was traversing past a boulder (on the cliff side) when the accident
happened. It is not known wether a hold broke, or he tripped or
slipped. There was definitely no ropes or climbing gear being used at
the time. He subsequently fell approximately 40 metres, and died at
the scene from injuries sustained.
Low cloud and rain hampered rescue authorities on the Friday evening,
and it was not until mid morning Saturday that Mr Finlayson's body was
recovered.
Over the weekend more than 30 emergency services personnel were
involved in the operation including police from three local stations,
Port Macquarie Ambulance officers, two local fire brigade units as
well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
LEVEL 3 REPORT