Family Takes Vacation Photo — They Get Goosebumps Looking at This One!

Claire and David were asked to remain near the command post. Their photographs gave the rescuers a clear reference point, and the coordinator wanted them nearby in case the teams needed another detail. From behind the safety line, Claire watched people carrying ropes, medical bags, and portable lights toward the cliff. Radio messages moved constantly between the teams above and below.

A helicopter arrived over the bay. Claire watched it approach the rock face, hover briefly, and pull away. “Why are they backing off?” she asked. The coordinator listened to his radio. “The wind is unstable close to the cliff. They cannot safely lower someone from the aircraft.” David looked toward the darkening headland. “So what happens now?” The coordinator pointed toward the rope team. “We go down from above.”

Claire could not see the injured pilot from where she stood. Then a voice broke through the radio. “Canopy moving. Casualty has shifted.” The coordinator stepped closer to the cliff team. Another message followed. “He is closer to the outer edge.” Claire gripped David’s hand. “Is he falling?” she asked. “Not yet,” the coordinator said. He raised his radio. “Get the rope rescuer down now. No more delay.” Around Claire, everyone suddenly began moving faster.