Walkers stranded on snowy peak couldn’t believe their luck
TWO walkers had a lucky escape when one fell ill on the third highest peak in Wales.
Unable to continue walking, they called for help but heavy cloud cover meant a Coastguard helicopter couldn’t land nearby.
They’d used the Crib Lem scramble to reach the summit of 1,044m Carnedd Dafydd, a mountain in the Carneddau range in Eryri (Snowdonia). It’s the same peak where walker David Brookfield, 65, is thought to have gone missing on January 9. Despite a huge search operation, he has yet to be found.
In ice-cold temperatures, the stranded pair were at risk of suffering hypothermia.
Unable to reach Carnedd Dafydd, the Coastguard helicopter instead dropped members of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) around 1km away. With the clock ticking, and carrying a stretcher and first aid equipment, they began the arduous walk to the “extremely cold” casualties.
By chance, an off-duty member of the OVMRO team happened to be climbing the mountain at the time. On topping out, she and her friend heard shouts from the stricken pair. They looked after them until the main OVMRO party arrived.
After being tended to by the team’s casualty carers, the pair were able to walk down the mountain to OVMRO’S Bryn Poeth base in Capel Curig. There. they were given warm drinks and a “debrief”.
OVMRO is now urging all mountain walkers to be #Aventuresmart. A spokesperson said: “The conditions on the hills can differ greatly than in the valleys and on lower ground.
“Despite it looking like a sunny day, team members reported that the winds on the summit (during the rescue) were bitterly cold and much higher than forecast.
“Consider taking additional warm (and windproof) clothing if you are out and about.
“Would the kit you carry in your rucksack keep you warm in the event of an unplanned stop?”
OVMRO added: “Consider carrying a group shelter large enough for all the group to get inside.
“These are great to keep the elements off, even for lunch breaks and not just emergencies.”
The rescue occurred on Sunday, February 26. On Facebook, one person said: “Good work - that takes me back about 22 years ago when you rescued my son after he was blown over at the same position and split his patella. You will always be heroes.”
OVMRO is on-call 24 hours a day throughout the year. As members are all volunteers, the team relies on donations. You can contribute here: https://www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3226232