Rescue Pictures Page

Fallen walker - Yew Crags, Hard Knott Fell, Eskdale

17th July 2005

5/30:17/7/05 (2.19 a.m.) - Sunday

Call from Workington Police to rescue a 21 yr old male from the Kendal area who had fallen approximately 60 foot down Yew Crag, Hard Knott fell in Eskdale.  He had been camping with his friends just north of the Roman Fort on Hardknott Pass.  His fall was arrested by a tree and he was still in a difficult location..  He was treated for suspect back, chest and limb injuries and stretcher lowered to the base of the crag, around 100 foot below.  He  was moved to a safe pick up location and then air lifted by Navy SAR sea king helicopter to West Cumbria Hospital. After a period of assessment, treatment and stabilisation he was transferred a specialist hospital in the North East.  Fifteen team members, police, search dog and Navy Helicopter were involved on the incident.  The incident was closed at 9.00 a.m.

Some of the following pictures are poor quality due to light conditions and not the easiest of ground

Now on safer ground awaiting arrival of the helicopter.  Stretcher is still belayed as the ground (loose scree) is still very steep and some distance above the valley bottom.

The casualty is being sledged down the scree using the lowering rope for safety, to a point where the helicopter can safely winch without dislodging the loose rocks above.

The RN winchman arrives on scene, lowered from the helicopter.  The Team leader briefs him on the the casualty's condition.

The stretcher is prepared for winching while the casualty is being cared for by two team members.

Winchman taking the stretcher and casualty up into the helicopter.  A high line was used to guide the lift from the ground and prevent the strong downdraft form driving the stretcher and winchman away from the slope.

Casualty nearing the door and safety of the cabin - then a 10 minute flight to the hospital where staff were already alerted and ready to receive the injured man.

Postscript - the team revisited the crag two weeks later to repeat the lower in daylight conditions.  see here

Page created 17/7/05 - updated 19/7/05