Dead body retrieved in ‘challenging’ 12-hour SES cliff rescue

A crime scene was established and the body was retrieved about 4am. It was a challenging retrieval for Coffs Harbour SES volunteers.

A man has died in a State Forest north of Coffs Harbour.

Just after 5.30pm on Saturday emergency services were called to Conglomerate State Forest west of Woolgoolga after concerns were raised for the welfare of a missing camper.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended along with SES personnel and following a search of the area, the body of a man was located about 10.30pm.

A crime scene was established, and the body was retrieved about 4am and taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.

The man is yet to be formally identified; however, believed to be aged in his 40s.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

NSW Coffs Harbour Unit Commander James Daniels said three vertical rescue teams were involved in the search and retrieval operation.

EARLIER:

Coffs Harbour NSW SES Vertical Rescue teams were tasked by the NSW Police Force and NSW Ambulance to the Sherwood area.

There are lots of lookouts and forest walks in the area.

The NSW SES Coffs Harbour unit posted a photo of the rescue on their Facebook page with the following information:

Coffs Harbour NSW SES Vertical Rescue teams had a protracted and challenging 12 hours overnight at Sherwood where a person had fallen from a cliff.

Access was protracted, difficult and dangerous. Unfortunately it wasn’t the outcome we always hope for and our deepest sympathies are with the family, and our teams who always give their all to bring loved ones home.