Gym buddies lend muscle to Bald Head hiker rescue

Six members of an Albany gym helped emergency responders complete a gruelling rescue which stretched past nightfall on Saturday after a woman suffered an injury on the Bald Head walk trail.

Police received a call for help about 10am after a woman in her mid-30s broke her ankle near the end of the challenging 12.5km trail in Torndirrup National Park. A female friend was with her but unable to carry her off the trail.

An approaching storm meant using a helicopter to winch the injured hiker off the Flinders Peninsula was not an option. The woman was put on a stretcher and carried back to safety.

Albany police, St John Ambulance paramedics and SES volunteers were involved in the recovery which took about eight hours.

Kate Russell from Albany SES said the recovery team was bolstered by members of the CrossFit 35 Degrees South gym.

“We had six fit, young people who came out and helped us which was great,” Ms Russell said. “One of our members asked a group from his gym if anyone was available because the more the merrier for us.

“That was huge for us.”

The woman arrived at Albany Health Campus about 6.30pm.

Trails WA said a “high level of fitness and experience” was required for the trail.