In a heart-stopping incident captured on video by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, a man was rescued from a dangerous predicament after falling off a trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Northern California. The daring helicopter rescue took place on Sunday evening, following a request from the Southern Marin Fire District.

According to the sheriff's office Facebook post, the Southern Marin Fire District requested a helicopter using thermal imaging technology to locate the stranded hiker. The man was found clinging to a cliffside just 40 feet above the rising ocean tide. Southern Marin Fire District Battalion Chief Jason Golden described the situation, stating, "The individual was starting to lose their grip."

The nerve-wracking video footage shows rescuing officers pleading with the hiker, urging him not to let go. The sheriff's office revealed that the hiker had fallen approximately 50 to 60 feet from the trail before finding himself in this perilous situation.

The crew of the helicopter, named Henry-1, swiftly took action, grabbing hold of the hiker and hoisting him to safety at the top of the cliff. Once rescued, the hiker received immediate medical attention from both the fire department and paramedics. Luckily, he is reported to be in stable condition, with only minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises.

Describing the intensity of the rescue, Chief Golden shared, "The rescuer, afterwards speaking with him, said that was one of the most precarious rescues because of how the victim was grabbing on and how quickly they were letting go."

The area where the incident occurred is known as the Batter Alexander Trail, a location that attracts many people during this time of year due to the warmer weather. However, Golden is now urging caution, particularly when venturing near the steep cliffs. He advised hikers to exercise great care and avoid getting too close to the edge or attempting any risky climbing.

This spine-chilling helicopter rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety precautions while enjoying outdoor activities. As authorities continue to emphasize caution, it is crucial for hikers to heed these warnings, ensuring their own well-being and preventing potentially life-threatening situations.