BADUNG, Bali — Two Russian nationals stranded beneath a cliff in Bali were airlifted to safety on Thursday, as rising tides forced rescuers into a time-critical operation.

A helicopter operated by SGi Air Bali was dispatched from Denpasar and reached the site in Badung regency within 12 minutes, evacuating Sergei Starostin, 51, and Diana Zolotova, 20.

Authorities were first alerted by a staff member at El Kabron Beach Club, prompting an immediate response from the Denpasar search and rescue agency.

An initial team of eight rescuers assessed that a land evacuation was not feasible, with the pair trapped far below the cliff and seawater levels continuing to rise.

“We coordinated immediately for an aerial evacuation as conditions on the ground would not allow safe access,” said agency chief I Nyoman Sidakarya.

The rescue was carried out at around 3 p.m. local time using a helicopter hoisting system, with both victims lifted one by one from the base of the cliff.

“There were no major technical issues, but we were racing against time due to the incoming tide,” Sidakarya said.

Both individuals were reported to be in good condition. Starostin sustained minor abrasions to his leg and elbow but declined further medical treatment.