- Incident
- 117 in 2024
- Type
- Full Callout — Lost
- Location
- Piers Gill, Scafell Pike
- Weather
- Gales, Rain, Windy
- Other Agencies
- Cumbria Police, Duddon & Furness MRT, Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs
- Tagged
- Lost
With the forecasted yellow wind warning (including storm force gusts at height) and heavy rain in full swing, a call was received from Cumbria Police. A ‘three peaks’ walking party of three had become separated after setting off from the valley at 8pm. The group of two were reporting themselves lost and thoroughly soaked, their waterproofs having succumbed to the heavy and prolonged rain. In addition, the other walker could now not be contacted and they were concerned for his safety.
The Team Leader called the team out after considering the risks for all, also requesting support from Duddon and Furness MRT and Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs. This gave sufficient resource for a search, especially for the uncontactable lone walker.
From a conversation with the party of two, it was deemed most likely that they were at the head of Piers Gill and so teams headed up the valley to begin the ascent. It was considered too risky to attempt a ‘talk-off’ due to poor communications and their likely location. On arrival at Brackenclose there was some good news as the lone walker was located in the car park. He was taken care of and the extra resources of search dogs and Duddon and Furness MRT were able to be stood down.
Team members made their way to Piers Gill and were able to locate the group of two in the expected place. They then safely negotiated challenging weather conditions and rising water levels on the descent to the valley.
Again there are some lessons to learn and share, a few in particular to note here:
Weather warnings will be more severe on the mountains. Team members reported some gusts risking blowing them off their feet. The mountain will be there another day.
Navigation is always much more challenging in poor weather.
Stick together as a group. Again it is much easier to lose track of people in poor conditions.
Thankfully all off the hill safe and well.
#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?
Incident started at 01:15 and ended at 08:35 making 7.3 hrs in total. There were 8 Wasdale team members involved and the incident occured at NY213078. Total rescuer hours: 58
