A taxi driver and her passengers risked their own lives by climbing down a 20ft wall onto rocks to help a motorcyclist who had plunged into the sea after crashing his bike.

Police last night commended the cabbie and her customers, a couple visiting the Island from overseas, for coming to the aid of the 18-year-old after he landed on the rocks and slid into the sea.

The teenager suffered head and stomach injuries and lacerations to his body after the accident at about 11.15 p.m. on Saturday night. He was in a stable condition in the intensive care unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital last night.

The crash happened as the motorcyclist rode west along Harbour Road in Warwick near the junction with Longford Road.

Police spokesman Robin Simmons said it appeared that the rider had overtaken the taxi before losing control as he tried to negotiate a bend in the road.

?The motorcycle then crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with a wall,? he said. ?As a result, the Warwick man was thrown over the wall and landed on the rocks approximately 20 feet below, before ending up in the water.?

Mr. Simmons said the taxi stopped at the scene and the taxi driver and the couple climbed down the wall and looked after the victim until paramedics arrived.

?The Bermuda Police Service would like to commend the actions of the taxi driver and her passengers for their courage and perseverance in coming to the aid of the victim,? said Mr. Simmons.

He added that inquiries into the crash were under way and urged witnesses to come forward to help Police. Anyone with information should contact P.c. Samaroo on 234-1010.