Illegal climber rescued off Morro Bay by CHP helicopter & MBFD personnel. Assisted by SLO County Fire, Harbor, USCG pic.twitter.com/8nJ4nB9FhE
— Morro Bay Fire (@MorroBayFire) April 7, 2016
Michael Banks of Fresno, California, planned and executed a proposal for the record books. He climbed the south face of 581-foot high Morro Rock early Thursday morning. Then he called his girlfriend via FaceTime and proposed from the dramatic backdrop. She said yes! And then things went downhill.
Banks chose a different route for his descent, and became stranded on a ledge. Someone heard him yelling and called 911. Banks was rescued by a crew in a California Highway patrol helicopter -and then arrested. Climbing on Morro Rock is banned as too dangerous, so he was cited for trespassing. Other charges include possession of methamphetamine. He also faces a bill for the rescue service, which could run to thousands of dollars.
At least she said yes.