Rescue efforts were underway on Helvellyn after a walker became stranded in darkness.
Incident Details
A walker suffering from hypothermia was airlifted from England’s third highest peak after being caught out after dark. The incident involved fourteen volunteers from the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team on Wednesday. Rescue teams reported that temperatures on the mountain hovered around 1°C to 2°C, but strong westerly winds reaching 35 mph, along with falling snow, created a wind chill that made it feel like -4°C.
Rescue Operation
The team received an alert at 6:30 PM. The walker could not safely navigate down the mountain in the dark as conditions were worsening. Team members ascended via various routes, converging on the summit to locate the individual.
A representative stated:
“The casualty was located, assessed, and found to be suffering from hypothermia. “Given the conditions and the casualty’s medical state, a Coastguard helicopter was requested and, in what can only be described as exceptional flying in extremely difficult conditions, airlifted the casualty to hospital.”
“Visitors to the Lakes are reminded that the weather on the high fells can often be far more serious than that in the valley bottom. “With the clocks going back this weekend, the team would urge anyone heading into the hills to carry a torch and spare batteries. Being caught out by darkness is one of the most common reasons we are called out. “Check the mountain weather forecast before you set off, not just the forecast for the valley, and be prepared to turn back if conditions change. The summit will still be there another day. “We would like to extend our huge thanks to the Coastguard helicopter crew for their greatly appreciated assistance. Their skill and professionalism in terrible weather made a very significant difference to the outcome of this incident. “We wish the casualty a swift recovery.”
Conclusion of Rescue
The Patterdale MRT volunteers concluded their operation at 1:15 AM after a callout lasting 6¾ hours. Team leader Matt Cox remarked:
“Visitors to the Lakes are reminded that the weather on the high fells can often be far more serious than that in the valley bottom.”
“We wish the casualty a swift recovery.”
“With the clocks going back this weekend, the team would urge anyone heading into the hills to carry a torch and spare batteries. Being caught out by darkness is one of the most common reasons we are called out.”
“Check the mountain weather forecast before you set off, not just the forecast for the valley, and be prepared to turn back if conditions change. The summit will still be there another day.”
“We would like to extend our huge thanks to the Coastguard helicopter crew for their greatly appreciated assistance. Their skill and professionalism in terrible weather made a very significant difference to the outcome of this incident.”