Rescue Pictures Page

Search 16th April 2005

5/12:16/4/05 (6.01 pm) - Saturday

The Team were called in to search for two missing male walkers in their early twenties who were described as vulnerable.  A party of nine had set off from Brotherilkeld with their leader to climb Scafell.  After reaching the summit, a navigational error put the group at the top of Broad Stand.  The leader had wisely decided not to descend but retrace his steps back up to the summit ridge.  Although mid April, the Lake District was experiencing pretty nasty winter conditions and there was fresh, snow on the ground above 2000 foot and cloud down to 1000 feet  Once the group were back on the ridge there was a dispute and two of them walked off and left the leader with a dilemma.  As a result the team were called in and search parties were sent in from both sides of Scafell.  Fortunately, two walkers descending, high on the flank of Scafell on the Wasdale side were seen by one team member, approached and quickly identified as the missing pair.  The two walkers were reassured and safely walked back down to the vehicles at Brackenclose and driven back to Gosforth to wait for their colleagues who were descending back to their vehicle in Eskdale.  When the Wasdale vehicles arrived back in Gosforth, one of the two missing walkers decided to head off into the surrounding countryside, quickly followed by a small group of team members.  They eventually caught up with the individual and the situation brought under control.  In order to bring the situation to a final safe conclusion, Police back up was requested.  After a bit of post rescue 'sorting out', the incident was closed at around 9.30 pm.  There were approximately 17 team members involved in the rescue.  Grateful thanks to our local police for their support.  

The advance vehicle - Mobile One - arrives at Brackenclose with five on board. Weather conditions dictate full waterproofs and expected difficult conditions on the top.

Back up vehicle - Mobile 3 -  arrives with more team members

Reflective strips on jackets are superb for identification when on the fell at night and particularly when the visibility is poor.

The new minibus is much more useful with less cramped conditions for team members getting on board

Ken Owens on his way up to Scafell just past the Brackenclose hut

The two missing walkers were seen coming out of the cloud, making their way down the gulley just above the dry stone wall.  Team members quickly converged on the location.  One of the walkers is wearing a blue waterproof.

The car park at Gosforth became a little crowded with vehicles at one stage.

This one was spotted at Calderbridge outside the Stanley Arms - good to see our friends in the states also responded to our request for backup.  Thought I would stop and take a snapshot of this when I was driving home after the incident.  One of the teams more memorable incidents which should generate a few nominations for the Christmas 05 team dinner I am sure.

Page created 18/4/05