Broad Stand, Scafell – Sun 7th Jan 2024

Team members were relaxing and enjoying the conditions and stunning views following the good news that the walker from Incident No.7 was able to walk off the fell, when a second call was received from the police. Three people were reported to be stuck on steep and icy ground on Scafell. The coordinates from the police call confirmed that they were on Broad Stand, a black spot and very hazardous terrain for walkers, especially in winter conditions. This is a location for many serious incidents over the years.

As we had team members on the fell and in the valley already they were able to retask, alongside additional team members volunteering with the new callout request. Duddon and Furness were asked to standby again.

On the ascent it was established that one of the walkers had managed to ascend Broad Stand and was now safely off the fell, leaving two people to rescue.

A Coastguard helicopter was requested and Rescue 199 duly attended. Unfortunately, patchy cloud and a light snow shower made conditions too dangerous to attempt a winch pick-off and so they returned to base, leaving a rope rescue to be undertaken.

A ‘spotter’ team at Mickledore maintained communications with the party whilst safe rope access was established for two team members to descend. Once on scene, the walkers were given warm clothing, food, helmets, harnesses, spikes and plenty of reassurance. The ascent to the top of Broad Stand was successfully made before a further warm in a bivvy shelter. The long descent into the valley and back to the vehicles was then completed before transferring in a team vehicle to family in the Wasdale Head Inn.

Thanks to the crew Rescue 199 and to Duddon and Furness MRT. We hope the walkers recover quickly from their predicament.

#BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better.

Ask yourself three questions before you set off:

1. Do I have the right GEAR ?

2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?

3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?