Hiker Falls Off Cliff Leading To Hours-Long Rescue Effort In North Stonington

NORTH STONINGTON, CT — A hiker fell off a cliff in North Stonington on Saturday, leading to an hours-long rescue effort by multiple agencies. The injured person was taken to the hospital.

Emergency responders were dispatched at 11:36 a.m. to Lantern Hill, according to the North Stonington Fire Company.

The person had fallen about 100 feet in a semi-remote location, according to the Old Mystic Fire Department.

Fire officials said that due to the terrain and complexity, they requested additional manpower and specialized technical rescue resources from multiple New London County agencies.

Crews used a tripod and rope systems to raise the patient to the top of the cliff, where paramedics were waiting to provide medical care, according to the North Stonington Fire Company.

At 2:53 p.m., responders had secured the patient in a rescue basket. About an hour later, the patient had been lowered down to a hiking trail to a utility task vehicle that was partway down the hill.

The patient was then transferred by North Stonington Ambulance and Lifestar ground crew for transport.

There was no word on the patient's condition.

"We extend our sincere thanks to all responding agencies for their professionalism, coordination, and strong teamwork throughout this challenging rescue," North Stonington Fire Company wrote. "Today’s incident highlights the importance of ongoing technical rescue training and the regional partnerships that help keep our community safe."

View photos of the rescue by clicking here.