A dangerous fall off Sunset Cliffs left onlookers wondering how the victim survived -- and managed to swim back to shore.
A 31-year-old woman was rescued by San Diego lifeguards and firefighters Saturday night after falling about 30 feet down a cliff off Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near Froude Street.
Witnesses say it appeared the 31-year-old victim had a broken leg and other serious injuries, but is expected to recover.
She apparently ignored the posted warning signs.
"The victim slipped off the cliff, luckily into the water, but I imagine with some rocks," said Sgt. Eric Care with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Lifeguard division.
Although she injured her leg during the fall, witnesses say she somehow made it to shore.
"The tide was coming in she was on the rocks it looked like she was having a tough time," said witness Barbara Hannibal. "She tried to stand up and scramble up the rocks."
Hannibal called 911, despite some resistance from the victim. Hannibal says the woman didn't want any help at first. Lifeguards arrived within minutes and took her to UCSD Medical Center.
Local
The victim was with other people when she fell, but they left the scene before help arrived, witnesses said. No witnesses at the scene actually saw the woman fall, but rescue workers say they did smell alcohol on her breath and will be investigating.
