In a dramatic 18-hour rescue mission, emergency responders successfully freed a man who had slipped and fallen into a narrow hole at the Sunset Cliffs area of San Diego County, California. The unidentified man was discovered trapped under broken concrete sections of a cliff near the water on Thursday afternoon. His lower body was pinned, and the opening measured a mere 18 inches with limited space below, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

The rescue operation faced multiple challenges due to adverse weather conditions and the treacherous location of the trapped man. Rescuers struggled with the difficult terrain, making it strenuous to reach the victim. At one point, a rescuer managed to tunnel from below and reach the man's feet. However, due to an incoming tide, the rescuer had to retreat, as reported by NBC San Diego.

In order to ensure the man's safety throughout the arduous rescue process, the fire department provided him with warming blankets and established a makeshift shelter overnight. The exact duration of time the man had been trapped remains unclear, as he informed firefighters that he had been screaming for days and lost track of how long he had been stuck, according to NBC San Diego.

The successful rescue mission was a collaborative effort involving dedicated emergency responders. By overcoming numerous obstacles and their unwavering commitment, they were able to extricate the man from his precarious situation. The man's identity has not been released publicly, and it is unknown if he sustained any injuries or required medical attention following the incident.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and other rescue authorities deserve recognition for their bravery and tireless efforts during this challenging operation. Incidents like these highlight the importance of preparedness and the critical role emergency response teams play in safeguarding public safety.