Man Rescued From Cliff After Proposal Gone Awry
Michael Banks got stuck on his down, but the good news: His girlfriend said yes.
— -- This engagement got off to a rocky start.
California firefighters were forced to rescue a man Thursday when he got stuck on a rock ledge after proposing to his girlfriend via Facetime, according to Associated Press.
Michael Banks, 27, was plucked off the 600-foot Morro Rock by a helicopter after attempting to climb back down, according to Morro Bay fire department Capt. Todd Gailey. "[Banks] took a different trail down, much steeper," Gailey told Associated Press. "He couldn't go any direction, on a sheer ledge, with his feet dangling 80 feet off the ground."
Rescuers called in a helicopter, and Gailey descended by cable to hoist Banks from the narrow ledge, with the rotor wash battering both men.
Gailey described Banks as "unnerved" by the rescue, but on a positive note, Banks' girlfriend accepted the proposal, he said.
But it wasn't all good news for Banks.
“The gentleman will be billed for the chopper ride and other related costs," the City of Morro Bay said in a statement to ABC News. "We are glad all involved are OK, and appreciate the hard work of our first responders. Climbing Morro Rock is illegal and dangerous. We hope folks will choose to view it from below, saving themselves and our fire responders time and money and protecting everyone's safety.”
After his rescue, Banks returned to Morro Rock, authorities said.
He was arrested for alleged drug possession after someone said they noticed him "acting under the influence," the city said in another statement to ABC News.
According to records from the local sheriff's office, Banks was being held in lieu of $10,000 bond.
It was not clear if he had a lawyer or entered a plea.