Motorist survives 80ft cliff plunge

A WOMAN has survived after her car plunged up to 80ft over a cliff and dropped into the North Sea.

The 45-year-old driver is recovering from head and back injuries following the crash at the village of Ethie Haven near Montrose.

A rescue operation was launched to bring her to safety, where she was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"She had a very lucky escape," said a spokeswoman for Forth Coastguard.

"Quite a few members of the public saw it happen.

"The female managed to escape the vehicle and was pulled on to nearby rocks by a member of the public.

"We launched an inshore lifeboat and an all-weather one.

He said an RAF helicopter had lowered a doctor down to treat the woman while the helicopter refueled in preparation for the journey to hospital.

The woman was then winched to safety.