A 29-year-old Perth man has died and another injured after tragedy struck a group of rock-climbers at West Cape Howe National Park in the state’s south on Tuesday.

A group of eight men and women, believed to be experienced rock-climbers, were on Dunsky beach, about four kilometres from the main lookout of West Cape Howe.

They completed a climb in the morning before resting, and then two of the more experienced climbers set off to complete a second climb in the afternoon.

They were ascending from the base of the beach when the man fell from the sheer granite rock-face.

Paul McMurtrie, Acting Superintendent of the Great Southern Police, told 6PR Breakfast the difficult terrain hampered efforts to retrieve the body.

“We had the drone up at first light this morning and I’m glad no retrieval attempt was made last night because it’s certainly sheer rock-face,” he said.

“The rescue helicopter last night was considered but because of the sheer winds and the darkness, they couldn’t carry out the rescue.”

The SES will recommence retrieval efforts today but it’s expected to take some time.

“It’s a very dangerous area and you can’t apply to much caution for the safety of all concerned,” the Acting Superintendent said.

“But obviously we want to return the young man to his family.”

The rest of the group managed to evacuate the area, including the other man who was injured in the fall.

Press PLAY to hear more form Paul McMurtrie below 

Image: iStock by Getty