Incident reports

A 62-year-old woman from the Midlands became stranded overnight after driving into floods near Bigsweir Bridge. Unable to call for help due to no phone service, she climbed onto the roof of her car where she spent the night. She was rescued the following morning by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Severn Area Rescue Association using a boat and inflatable sled, and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Outcome: rescued by boat and inflatable sled, taken to hospital as a precaution

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to an incident involving four foreign nationals rescued from Ben Nevis during a blizzard. Three of the walkers were found wearing trainers near the summit and were subsequently airlifted to hospital after being helped down to Halfway Lochan.

Outcome: Rescued and transported to hospital

Two people wearing inappropriate footwear were rescued from Ben Nevis after climbing in severe winter conditions with temperatures around -20°C and high winds. The incident highlights the dangers of inadequate preparation for mountain climbing in winter.

Outcome: rescued

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team assisted 12 people stranded in vehicles on the A702 at Dalveen Pass near Durisdeer during severe snow conditions on Tuesday night. Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team also responded to a separate incident in the Borders where a vehicle had slipped off the road in blizzard conditions.

Outcome: 12 people assisted to safety overnight

Four tourists visiting Scotland were caught in blizzard conditions on Ben Nevis wearing inappropriate clothing and carrying no winter equipment or maps. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team located them near the summit using mobile phone signal and a location-sharing app, and all four were evacuated by helicopter to hospital for assessment.

Outcome: all four evacuated by helicopter to Belford Hospital for assessment

Four overseas walkers were rescued from steep ground in Coire Eòghainn on Ben Nevis during blizzard conditions after straying while descending. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to social media calls for the casualties to be charged, defending the voluntary rescue service model and highlighting the practical and financial implications of a professional alternative.

Outcome: casualties brought to safety

A woman suffered a suspected broken ankle while walking near Sgwd yr Eira waterfall in the Brecon Beacons. Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team attended and carried her on a stretcher to a Coastguard helicopter, which airlifted her to hospital with support from Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics.

Outcome: airlifted to hospital by Coastguard helicopter

Two walkers strayed into a gully while climbing the North Ridge of Tryfan in Snowdonia after losing their way despite receiving directions from another group. They were winched to safety by a coastguard helicopter and taken to a place of safety.

Outcome: both rescued by helicopter, taken to safety

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team assisted in the search for a 72-year-old man from Kiltarlity who went missing on 23 December. Searches focused on woodland areas near his home, with support from coastguard helicopter and search dogs. The post reports the ongoing search but does not indicate the outcome.

Two hillwalkers sustained minor injuries after being caught in an avalanche in the mountains above Bridge of Orchy in Argyll. Members of Arrochar, Oban, Glencoe, Search and Rescue Dog Association Scotland and police attended to provide assistance.

Outcome: walkers sustained minor injuries

A family encountered difficulties while descending Ben Cruachan near Dalmally when the mother fell onto a ledge with a significant drop below. A young boy was instrumental in calling emergency services and remained with his mother to keep her conscious until mountain rescue arrived.

Outcome: The injured person was airlifted to hospital after receiving initial treatment on site.

A hillwalker became disoriented and lost in the Pentland Hills as darkness fell on Sunday evening and called for help. Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team responded with 19 members, aided by a police helicopter with searchlight, and located the walker cold but uninjured and walked them to safety.

Outcome: walker found cold but uninjured and walked to safety

Mountain Rescue teams were called out after a female hiker fell down a riverbank near Pontneddfechan. Due to weather conditions and lack of safe winching space, the casualty was eventually extracted by stretcher to the roadside for transfer to an ambulance.

Outcome: Transported to hospital

The team responded to an incident involving an elderly gentleman who had fallen while ascending Pen Y Fan. Working with other rescue teams, the casualty received assessment and treatment for a head injury before being transported by stretcher to a waiting ambulance.

Outcome: Transported from scene

A man in his 40s fell from his mobility scooter on Sugar Loaf Mountain in Monmouthshire and was rescued by Longtown Mountain Rescue volunteers. He was carried down the 1,955ft peak on a stretcher and transported to Nevill Hall Hospital.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to hospital

Volunteers were called to an injured mountain biker who had crashed while downhill biking in the Afan Forest area. The individual sustained head and abdominal injuries but was wearing a helmet, which prevented more severe harm.

Outcome: Transported to hospital for further medical attention

Mountain Rescue teams were called out on a busy day to assist with two separate incidents. The first involved an individual who collapsed in the Dinas Rock area and was treated for a possible broken ankle before being transferred to an ambulance. Later, another male required assistance after injuring his knee on the summit of Pen Y Fan.

Outcome: Treated and transferred to ambulance; second casualty received assistance.

A walker was found alive after spending approximately 48 hours on a mountainside in the Arran Hills. Search efforts involved multiple teams and a Coastguard helicopter until the individual was located near A’ Chir ridge. The casualty received immediate treatment at the scene before being airlifted to hospital.

Outcome: Rescued and hospitalized

The team responded to two separate calls on Dinas Rock. One call involved assisting with the extraction of a female who had sustained injuries while horse riding. The second incident required support in rescuing an injured teenager at the rock, who was subsequently transported by stretcher.

Outcome: Injured individuals were safely extracted and received hospital care.

A multi-team rescue operation was launched to assist a female located in Bwlch Duwynt on Pen y Fan. The lady was successfully stretchered off the location by dedicated volunteers from three different mountain rescue units.

Outcome: Safe extraction