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Lochaber MRT

A volunteer-run mountain rescue charity. 116 incidents featured here.

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July 2026

4 incidents

Ben Nevis

dog rescue Highlands Serious incident

A dog was rescued from Ben Nevis after being suspected of consuming cannabis. The animal required assistance from mountain rescue due to the effects of the suspected poisoning.

Outcome: dog rescued

Ben Nevis

animal rescue Highlands

A dog was rescued from the peak of Ben Nevis after consuming cannabis from a stash left on the trail. The dog was recovered and treated following the incident.

Outcome: dog rescued and treated

Ben Nevis

dog poisoning - cannabis ingestion Highlands Serious incident

A black labrador collapsed on Ben Nevis after eating discarded cannabis and was carried down the mountain by 14 volunteers from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital and made a full recovery by the following day.

Outcome: dog evacuated by stretcher, made full recovery

Ben Nevis

dog poisoning Highlands Serious incident

A black Labrador became critically ill after apparently ingesting discarded cannabis during a hike on Ben Nevis in early July. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team stretchered the unconscious dog down from the mountain to a local veterinary clinic in Fort William, where she made a full recovery.

Outcome: dog evacuated by stretcher, fully recovered

June 2026

1 incident

Ben Nevis

exhausted walker Highlands

An 87-year-old blind military veteran became exhausted at Half Way Lochan on Ben Nevis during a charity climb on 27 June 2026 and required assistance from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, who evacuated him using an all-terrain vehicle. The Princess of Wales was higher on the mountain at the time and was made aware of the rescue through radio communications.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by all-terrain vehicle

April 2026

1 incident

Knoydart

injured hillwalkers Highlands

Two separate groups of hillwalkers suffered lower leg injuries in Knoydart, a remote Highland peninsula, during Storm Dave over the Easter weekend. One group descended overnight; the second group was airlifted by rescue teams on Sunday morning after weather conditions improved.

Outcome: one group self-evacuated overnight, second group airlifted by helicopter

March 2026

2 incidents

Ben Nevis

fall Highlands Serious incident

A hiker sustained traumatic injuries after falling approximately 200 metres on the UK's highest mountain. The post references press coverage but the detailed content is unavailable due to a server error.

Ben Nevis, Zero Gully

climber fall Highlands Serious incident

A solo climber fell approximately 200 metres down Zero Gully on Ben Nevis on Saturday afternoon, sustaining multiple traumatic injuries. He was rescued by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the rescue helicopter, then transferred to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for major trauma care.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by helicopter to major trauma centre

February 2026

7 incidents

Ben Nevis, Scottish Highlands

Missing Person Search Highlands

Search and rescue crews deployed drones and dogs to locate a hiker who went missing while traversing rugged terrain near Ben Nevis. Extensive searches are continuing despite challenging weather conditions.

Outcome: Ongoing search

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands Serious incident

A 64-year-old man went missing on Ben Nevis on 19 February 2026 after failing to return from a planned hike. Extensive search and rescue operations involving multiple mountain rescue teams, police, RAF, and search dogs were underway in challenging conditions.

Ben Nevis / Torlundy

Skiing/Mountain Rescue Highlands Serious incident

Emergency services were called to a man injured near Torlundy in the Nevis Range area following heavy snow. He was among several people rescued from Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr that day. The individual sadly passed away at the hospital on Wednesday.

Outcome: Fatality

Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor

Mountain Rescue (Avalanche/Exposure) Highlands

Six individuals were rescued across four separate incidents involving Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor due to strong winds and avalanches. The rescues included assisting a walker unable to descend Ben Nevis and recovering two climbers from Tower Ridge after an eight-hour technical operation.

Outcome: All rescued safely

Ben Nevis, Aonach Mòr, Tower Ridge

multiple incidents: walker unable to descend, climbers stranded, injured skier, avalanche rescue Highlands

Six people were rescued in four separate incidents on and around Ben Nevis during gale-force winds and avalanche conditions on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. Rescues included a walker unable to descend, two climbers on Aonach Mòr, two climbers from Tower Ridge, and an injured skier, with a significant avalanche occurring in the Red Burn area during operations.

Outcome: six people rescued by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and coastguard helicopters; Tower Ridge rescue took eight hours

Nevis Range

Fall/Injury Highlands Serious incident

Emergency services were called to the Aonach Mor area after reports of an injured man in the Nevis Range. The individual was attended to by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and subsequently died in hospital the following day.

Outcome: Fatality

multiple incidents: fallen walker, crag-fast climbers (two incidents) Highlands

Three major incidents occurred on Ben Nevis over three days in early February. A walker fell 150 metres on Friday and was stretchered to safety; two climbers became crag-fast on Fairy Godmother at Creag Meagaidh and were lowered to safety; and on Sunday, two climbers stranded in Tower Gully were rescued in severe weather conditions including snow, sleet and rime ice. All casualties were safely evacuated.

Outcome: all casualties stretchered or lowered to safety and evacuated

January 2026

6 incidents

Bidean nam Bian, Glencoe

stranded hillwalker Highlands

A hillwalker was stranded on Bidean nam Bian in Glencoe for 17 hours in severe winter conditions after the rescue team withdrew due to extreme weather, avalanche risk and poor visibility. The search resumed at first light, and an RAF helicopter assisted in locating the casualty near the summit suffering from cold exposure. The walker was evacuated by stretcher and helicopter to hospital for further care.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by helicopter after cold exposure; conscious and winched to safety

Ben Nevis

missing or hypothermic climber Highlands Serious incident

A climber was found in severe hypothermic distress on Ben Nevis during a blizzard with temperatures of -20°C and gale-force winds on 24 January. Scottish Royal Marine Reserves and Dutch Korps Mariniers personnel discovered the man curled up in the snow with ice on his face and evacuated him by makeshift stretcher. The casualty was later able to walk independently and was handed over to emergency services.

Outcome: evacuated by stretcher, later walked independently and handed to emergency services

Aonach Mor / Nevis Range

Fall/Rescue Highlands Serious incident

A skier was rescued on Aonach Mor after falling from the mountain near Fort William. Sadly, this individual passed away in hospital the following day. The rescue occurred during challenging weather conditions involving gale-force winds.

Outcome: Fatality

Ben Nevis

Exhaustion/Deep Snow Highlands

A group of walkers became exhausted due to deep snow and required rescue near the summit of Ben Nevis. Mountain Rescue teams were deployed to assist those who were struggling in the conditions.

Outcome: Rescued

Cornice collapse/Fall Highlands Serious incident

Two climbers required rescue after a cornice collapsed in Aladdin's Couloir within Coire an t-Sneachda on Saturday. Members from the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team were first to the scene and provided initial treatment before transferring the individuals via helicopter.

Outcome: Rescued with injuries

Ben Nevis

Exhaustion/Rescue Highlands Serious incident

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was dispatched to the summit of Ben Nevis on Friday afternoon to assist two walkers who were suffering from exhaustion. The team navigated deep snow to reach the individuals and subsequently assisted them down to a safe location by a Can-Am vehicle.

Outcome: Safe descent and recovery

December 2025

1 incident

Ben Macdui, Cairngorms

hypothermia and cold exposure Highlands Serious incident

Two men in their 20s were rescued from Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms after calling for help approximately two and a half hours into their climb. Both were suffering from cold exposure, with one displaying signs of hypothermia; they were inadequately dressed in trainers and jogging bottoms in -15°C temperatures. The rescue was carried out by 13 volunteers from Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

Outcome: both rescued by mountain rescue team

September 2025

2 incidents
missing person Highlands

A 76-year-old Edinburgh grandfather was lost for eight days in the Highlands after attempting to walk from Glenfinnan to Knoydart on the Cape Wrath Trail. Bad weather caused him to lose his way, damaging his equipment and preventing communication. He was found on his eighth day by the local estate owner and deer stalkers, and was treated at Belford Hospital.

Outcome: located after eight days, treated at hospital

Scottish Highlands (Cape Wrath Trail)

Lost/Survival Highlands

A 76-year-old hillwalker became lost while attempting a strenuous trek across the Scottish Highlands. After being missing for eight days in adverse weather conditions, he was eventually found by local residents and rescue teams.

Outcome: Found alive after eight days missing

April 2025

1 incident

Ben Nevis

Climbing accident/Fall Highlands Serious incident

Mountain rescue teams responded after two climbers were found having fallen on Ben Nevis in challenging conditions. The team located the pair and provided initial treatment to the survivor before recovering the body of his companion the following morning.

Outcome: One fatality, one survivor with serious injuries

March 2025

4 incidents

Ben Nevis

climber fall Highlands Serious incident

Two climbers fell from Ben Nevis on Saturday during challenging weather conditions. A 30-year-old was rescued with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, whilst the 22-year-old was found deceased on Sunday morning.

Outcome: one climber deceased, second climber evacuated to hospital with serious injuries

Location not specified

dog rescue Highlands

Lake District Mountain Rescue Team used new equipment during a dramatic rescue of a dog. The incident showcases the team's deployment of modern rescue tools in animal welfare situations.

Outcome: dog rescued

Glen Dessary, Highlands

injured dog Highlands

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to Glen Dessary where a dog had sustained injuries from a significant fall on craggy ground. Team members conducted repairs to bridges to access the animal, packaged it into a stretcher, and transported it to a local veterinary clinic.

Outcome: dog evacuated by stretcher to veterinary clinic

February 2025

1 incident

Ben Nevis, Tower Ridge

injured climber with fracture Highlands

A team of three climbers became off-route on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis, when their leader fell on snow-covered ground. One climber sustained a lower leg fracture and was airlifted by helicopter to Inverness, while the other two were lowered to safe ground and walked off the mountain.

Outcome: casualty airlifted by helicopter to Inverness for hospital transport; two other climbers walked off the mountain

December 2024

3 incidents

Ben Nevis

mountain incident with fatality Highlands Serious incident

A man died and 16 others were rescued from an incident on Ben Nevis. The exact circumstances are not detailed in the available excerpt.

Outcome: one fatality, 16 others rescued

Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glen Etive

injured walker Highlands

A walker sustained a shoulder injury on Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glen Etive on Friday evening and was rescued by RAF Lossiemouth Mountain Rescue Service and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team working together in icy and snowy conditions. The casualty was evacuated by stretcher after being lowered by rope over difficult terrain.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher

August 2024

2 incidents

Ben Nevis

injured walker Highlands Serious incident

Lochaber Mountain Rescue reached their 100th call-out of the year when they assisted a French walker who sustained a broken leg on Ben Nevis and was airlifted to hospital. The milestone comes during a particularly busy period for the team, with call-outs increasing significantly year-on-year.

Outcome: casualty airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness

May 2024

1 incident

Isle of Rum

missing person Highlands Serious incident

Land searches for hillwalker Mary Molloy on the Isle of Rum were called off following rescue operations in difficult terrain. Rescuers conducted searches across challenging ground during the incident.

Outcome: land searches called off

April 2024

1 incident
injured walker with fracture Highlands Serious incident

An experienced walker suffered a broken leg after slipping on a snowy mountain in the Scottish Highlands, a few miles east of Ben Nevis. With no mobile signal and in a remote location, he activated a personal satellite tracker device which alerted emergency services within minutes. He was airlifted by HM Coastguard helicopter to Inverness hospital where he underwent two operations and is now recovering at home.

Outcome: airlifted by helicopter to hospital, underwent two operations, recovering at home

March 2023

2 incidents

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

crag-fast climbers Highlands

Two climbers became trapped on the eastern traverse of Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis, during heavy snow on the evening of 15 March 2023. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and search and rescue helicopter R151 conducted a challenging rescue operation in extreme weather conditions, successfully airlifting both casualties to safety by 2.30am.

Outcome: both casualties airlifted to safety by helicopter

Ben Nevis, Tower Ridge

Climbing/Stuck Highlands

Two climbers required a rescue after becoming stuck on Tower Ridge at Ben Nevis. The operation involved members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team being lowered by rope before the pair were extracted by an Inverness Coastguard helicopter.

Outcome: Rescued

January 2023

3 incidents

Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis

missing person Highlands Serious incident

A 42-year-old man from Peterborough went missing on 27 January 2023 whilst attempting to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland. His car was found at a layby in Glen Nevis three days later, and multiple mountain rescue teams, including dog handlers, conducted searches in difficult weather conditions with high winds and heavy rain.

Ben Nevis

Mountain Rescue/Accident Highlands Serious incident

The team responded to numerous callouts throughout 2022, with a significant number occurring on Ben Nevis. Notable incidents included an eight-hour rescue following a fall from the mountain and another involving an avalanche that resulted in serious injuries.

Outcome: Multiple rescues, including fatalities and severe injuries.

Ben Nevis

avalanche Highlands Serious incident

A Bristol teacher was killed in an avalanche on Ben Nevis. The incident occurred on or shortly before the publication date of 5 January 2023.

Outcome: fatality

December 2022

1 incident

Ben Nevis

avalanche Highlands Serious incident

An avalanche on Ben Nevis on 30 December resulted in the death of a 48-year-old climber and serious injury to a 40-year-old man who slid approximately 600 metres down the mountain. The injured casualty was evacuated by helicopter to Belford Hospital after an eight-hour extrication operation in challenging weather conditions.

Outcome: one fatality; one casualty evacuated by helicopter to hospital with serious injuries

August 2022

2 incidents

Ben Nevis

Animal rescue/Exhaustion Highlands

A mountain rescue team was called to Ben Nevis after an exhausted dog refused to continue walking. The dogs were eventually secured to a stretcher and safely transported back down the mountain where it could rest.

Outcome: Safe return to lower ground

Ben Nevis

animal rescue Highlands

Lochaber Mountain Rescue was called to Ben Nevis to assist a Turkish Akbash dog with sore paws that had refused to continue descending. A stretcher party met the dog's owners halfway down the mountain and carried the animal to safety in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Outcome: dog safely brought down the mountain by stretcher

July 2022

2 incidents

Ben Nevis

injured walker Highlands

A hillwalker was injured after a fall on Ben Nevis and received assistance from mountaineers at the scene who helped manage her pain until rescue arrived.

Outcome: casualty assisted by mountaineers and evacuated

March 2022

4 incidents

Ben Nevis

injured walker Highlands

A walker sustained a lower leg fracture near the summit of Ben Nevis on Thursday afternoon and was evacuated by helicopter. The rescue team also highlighted vandalism at the emergency shelter on the summit, which had been used as a rubbish bin and toilet, compromising its ability to treat casualties.

Outcome: casualty treated and evacuated by helicopter

Green Gully, Ben Nevis

climbers fallen Highlands Serious incident

Two climbers fell from Green Gully on Ben Nevis. One sustained significant injuries and was winched to hospital by Lochaber Mountain Rescue team.

Outcome: injured climber winched to hospital

Ben Nevis

Accident/Fatality Highlands Serious incident

The Mountain Rescue team reported three fatalities over a five-day period while responding to multiple callouts in the area. They issued a safety reminder stressing the importance of being adequately prepared for winter conditions when walking in the hills.

Outcome: Fatalities reported; safety reminder issued

Ben Nevis

climber death and multiple rescues Highlands Serious incident

A 28-year-old climber died on Ben Nevis on 9 March 2022, with 23 other people rescued in multiple separate incidents across the mountain. Two soldiers assisting stranded climbers sustained minor injuries requiring hospital treatment. The incidents occurred during challenging winter conditions with snow and ice coverage.

Outcome: one fatality, 23 people safely evacuated

January 2022

1 incident

Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A hillwalker fell approximately 300 feet to his death on Ben Nevis while attempting the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route in treacherous icy conditions. He slipped on a clear ice glaze and fell in front of a companion, who raised the alarm. His body was recovered after a two-day search operation by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

Outcome: fatality - body recovered after two-day search

August 2021

1 incident

Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

injured walker Highlands

A walker suffered an injury after falling near Steall Falls in Glen Nevis on Thursday evening. Other walkers at the scene provided assistance, and the casualty was airlifted by Inverness Coastguard helicopter to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was involved in the rescue.

Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital by helicopter

June 2021

1 incident

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands Serious incident

Sarah Buick, a 24-year-old experienced hillwalker from Dundee, went missing on Ben Nevis after posting a summit selfie at approximately 05:00 on Tuesday morning. Police Scotland and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team launched a search, which began on Wednesday, with growing concern expressed as she had not made contact with friends or family.

January 2021

1 incident

February 2020

11 incidents

Aonach Mòr, West Face

avalanche Highlands Serious incident

A climber missing since 28 February after being caught in an avalanche on Aonach Mòr was found deceased on the West Face on 9 March. His climbing companion was injured in the incident but survived. The search involved approximately 800 man-hours and three rescue teams.

Outcome: casualty fatality

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands Serious incident

A missing walker reported missing from Ben Nevis on Sunday was found deceased on the southern slopes near the waterslide on Thursday afternoon. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team assisted in recovering the body. The man had posted social media messages from near Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe before going missing.

Outcome: body recovered

Ben Nevis, Number 5 Gully

climber caught in avalanche Highlands

A climber was injured after being caught in an avalanche in Number 5 Gully on Ben Nevis during a period of heightened avalanche risk across Scotland's mountains. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to the incident. The incident occurred amid prolonged snowfall that raised avalanche hazard levels to 'high' in Lochaber and 'considerable' in five other monitored areas.

Outcome: casualty rescued by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands

A major search was underway for a Slovak walker missing on Ben Nevis, last spotted above Half Way Lochan on Thursday morning. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, assisted by a helicopter and neighbouring rescue groups, mobilised approximately 39 personnel to search the area despite challenging weather conditions forecast for the region.

Stob Ban, Glen Nevis

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 42-year-old man died after falling approximately 100 feet into a gorge on Stob Ban during Storm Dennis while on a winter hills training course. The incident occurred in severe weather conditions with winds gusting over 50 mph, and the casualty was recovered by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team after a challenging rescue operation.

Outcome: casualty recovered deceased

Ben Nevis

Mountain rescue/Hypothermia risk Highlands

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

Ben Nevis

unprepared climbers in winter conditions Highlands

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

Ben Nevis

tourists in distress, blizzard conditions Highlands

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

Ben Nevis

ill-equipped climbers in blizzard Highlands

Two ill-equipped climbers were rescued from blizzard conditions near Britain's highest peak. The incident occurred during severe weather. Both climbers were brought to safety.

Outcome: climbers rescued

Ben Nevis, Coire Eòghainn

lost walkers on steep ground Highlands

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

March 2019

2 incidents
avalanche Highlands Serious incident

Three climbers died in an avalanche on Ben Nevis's Number Five Gully on the North Face on 11 March 2019. The casualties were two French nationals aged 32 and 41, and a Swiss national aged 43. A fourth climber, a 30-year-old Swiss national, survived and was receiving treatment in hospital; 29 volunteer mountain rescuers from Lochaber and Glencoe teams attended the incident in extremely challenging conditions.

Outcome: three fatalities, one survivor hospitalised

Ben Nevis, Number 5 Gully

fatal avalanche Highlands Serious incident

Four climbers died in an avalanche in Number 5 Gully on Ben Nevis on Tuesday of the previous week. Two French climbers aged 41 and 32, and a 43-year-old Swiss climber were killed; a 30-year-old Swiss climber survived. Family members were subsequently taken by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team to view the accident site.

Outcome: four casualties, one survivor

February 2019

1 incident

Remote Highlands cabin, loch-side

Medical emergency - head injury Highlands Serious incident

A man in his 70s living off-grid in a remote Highlands cabin activated his personal locator beacon after suffering a potentially life-threatening head injury. A Coastguard helicopter and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team located and evacuated him, with the rescue coordinated via a satellite signal processed through a response centre in Houston, Texas.

Outcome: Casualty winched to helicopter and flown to Belford Hospital, Fort William; reported to be doing well

January 2019

2 incidents
fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 21-year-old German student died after falling 500 feet from a ridge on Carn Mor Dearg Buttress on Ben Nevis on New Year's Day. Three other members of the climbing party became cragfast and were rescued by helicopter. The incident was attributed to dangerous conditions including verglas on the mountain.

Outcome: casualty fatality; three others rescued by helicopter

Ben Nevis, Carn Dearg

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A University of Bristol student died after falling approximately 500 feet while climbing the ledge route on Ben Nevis on New Year's Day. The incident occurred in icy conditions; three companions were safely evacuated by helicopter after becoming stranded, and the casualty was recovered by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

Outcome: casualty died at scene

December 2018

1 incident

Ben Nevis, Tower Gully

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 21-year-old climber died after falling in Tower Gully on Ben Nevis on Sunday 16 December. His climbing partner also fell but survived with non-life threatening injuries. The casualty was airlifted to hospital but died from his injuries.

Outcome: casualty died from injuries sustained in fall

July 2018

1 incident

Carn Mor Dearg, Lochaber

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 58-year-old walker died after falling on Carn Mor Dearg in Lochaber on Monday 16 July. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and a Coastguard helicopter attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Outcome: casualty pronounced dead at scene

June 2018

1 incident

Ben Nevis

wet walker - refused callout; teenager trapped in gully Highlands

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team refused assistance to a walker who became wet on Ben Nevis during midsummer conditions without waterproofs, advising him to descend himself; he remained in the summit shelter and walked down with another climber the following morning. The post also reports a separate incident in which a teenager was rescued by helicopter after becoming trapped in a gully during a river crossing near Ben Nevis whilst on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, and mentions the ongoing search for a climber who fell through a cornice in January.

Outcome: wet walker descended unassisted with another climber; teenager rescued by helicopter winch with mild hypothermia

February 2018

3 incidents

Highland mountain

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A man died after falling from a Highland mountain, and the body of a missing climber was also discovered during this incident. The circumstances indicate serious mountaineering accidents in the Highland region.

Outcome: fatality

fatal mountain fall Highlands Serious incident

Two bodies were recovered from Lochaber mountains on Saturday. One was found on Sgurr Thuilm following a fall, and the second was located on Beinn a'Chaorainn after a two-week search for a man who had fallen through a cornice. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team attended three call-outs that day with assistance from Tayside, RAF, and Coastguard teams.

Outcome: two bodies recovered

missing persons Highlands Serious incident

Mountain rescue teams in the Scottish Highlands located the body of Jim Stalker, missing since 11 February near Beinn a Chaorainn, with assistance from Lochaber, Tayside and RAF teams. Two other men remain missing: Marcin Bialas (missing since 21 January after falling through a cornice on Ben Nevis) and Neil Gibson (missing since 8 February in the Achnashellach area), with search efforts hampered by severe winter conditions and high avalanche risk.

Outcome: one body recovered; two still missing

January 2018

3 incidents

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands Serious incident

A group of three walkers got into difficulty on Ben Nevis in severe blizzard conditions on Sunday afternoon. Two were located and rescued after seven hours in waist-deep snow, high winds and poor visibility, but their companion remained missing. Further searches were hampered by avalanche risk and poor visibility.

Outcome: two casualties rescued by stretcher; one person missing, search ongoing

Ben Nevis, Observatory Gully

climber fall Highlands Serious incident

A climber who fell through a snow cornice into Observatory Gully on Ben Nevis in January was found deceased following an extensive search by Lochaber Mountain Rescue. The body was recovered from the gully in June after previous search efforts had been hampered by deep snow conditions.

Outcome: body recovered

Ben Nevis, Observatory Gully

fatal fall from cornice collapse Highlands Serious incident

A man who fell from Ben Nevis in January was found deceased in Observatory Gully in June after a six-month search hampered by deep snowfields. During the same recovery operation, two climbers stuck on Tower Ridge were evacuated by helicopter. The rescue team also attended multiple heat-related incidents as temperatures approached 30°C.

Outcome: body recovered after six months; two other climbers on Tower Ridge evacuated by helicopter

December 2017

1 incident

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

crag-fast climbers Highlands

Two climbers were rescued from Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis's North Face after becoming stuck in wintry conditions. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, assisted by Inverness Coastguard helicopter, conducted a nine-hour night operation to bring the men to safety, with rescuers airlifted onto the mountain and both climbers evacuated to the valley by 4am.

Outcome: both climbers evacuated by mountain rescue team, airlifted by helicopter

September 2017

1 incident

Ben Nevis

exhausted walker Highlands

A therapy dog named Alfie was part of a hillwalking group on Ben Nevis when one member of the party became exhausted. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team assisted the group off the mountain, with team member Terry Confield carrying Alfie.

Outcome: group assisted off mountain by rescue team

July 2017

2 incidents

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A climber died after falling on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis on Saturday morning. The Coastguard rescue helicopter recovered the casualty from the difficult location and transferred them to an ambulance, but they had sustained fatal injuries.

Outcome: casualty recovered but died of injuries sustained in fall

Ben Nevis, Orion Face

crag-fast climbers Highlands

Three climbers became cragfast on the Orion Face of Ben Nevis during poor weather conditions. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team successfully rescued them by lowering a rescuer from the summit, finding the group 200m below the top of the route and leading them back to safety.

Outcome: all three climbers brought to safety and led back to summit

March 2017

2 incidents

Meall an t-Suidhe, Lochaber

lost hillwalkers Highlands

Two lost hillwalkers were rescued from Meall an t-Suidhe in Lochaber after Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team traced their mobile phones on Wednesday night. The team also responded to a missing 71-year-old on Ben Nevis on Tuesday and attended a group of French walkers who were caught in an avalanche but uninjured earlier that day.

Outcome: rescued by tracing mobile phones

Ben Nevis

hypothermia Highlands Serious incident

A man was found in a hypothermic state near the summit of Ben Nevis after spending the night on the mountain. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Lossiemouth, and the Inverness Coastguard helicopter conducted the search and rescue operation in very difficult conditions with fresh snow and high avalanche risk. The casualty was airlifted by helicopter to Belford Hospital in Fort William.

Outcome: casualty airlifted by helicopter to Belford Hospital in Fort William

February 2017

1 incident

Ben Nevis

avalanche Highlands Serious incident

Three climbers were caught in an avalanche on Ben Nevis and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were evacuated by Coastguard rescue helicopter and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, and taken to Belford Hospital in Fort William for treatment.

Outcome: three casualties evacuated to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

January 2017

1 incident

Aonach Beag, near Fort William

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A climber died after falling while descending from the summit of Aonach Beag near Fort William on Thursday afternoon. He was rescued by Lochaber Mountain Rescue and a rescue helicopter, but had sustained fatal injuries. His companion, who was uninjured, had managed to contact the rescue team.

Outcome: casualty died of injuries sustained in fall

October 2016

2 incidents

Ben Nevis, North Face

climber fall Highlands Serious incident

A climber in his 50s fell on the North Face of Ben Nevis on Friday and was airlifted by helicopter along with his uninjured companion. He died from his injuries despite the rescue efforts of Lochaber and RAF mountain rescue teams in difficult dark and cloudy conditions.

Outcome: casualty died from injuries

climber fall Highlands Serious incident

A 21-year-old climber died after falling on Ben Nevis near the East Gully of Aonach Mor whilst climbing with a companion on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services including Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and HM Coastguard responded, and the casualty was airlifted to hospital but died from injuries sustained.

Outcome: fatality

May 2016

1 incident
missing person Highlands

An experienced 56-year-old German walker has been missing in Lochaber since 3 May after embarking on a planned five-day 76 km walk between Lochailort and Glenfinnan. Extensive searches involving Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, RAF teams, Coastguard, police, and search dogs have been conducted across high and low-level areas without locating him.

Outcome: still missing at time of report

March 2016

1 incident

Ben Nevis, North Face

missing persons Highlands Serious incident

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team found a technical ice-axe on the North Face of Ben Nevis below The Shroud and Boomers Requiem. The team is seeking the owner to help eliminate them from an ongoing search for missing climbers Rachel Slater and Tim Newton from Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Outcome: ongoing search

February 2016

3 incidents

Ben Nevis

lost climbers in extreme weather Highlands Serious incident

Two brothers were caught in a severe blizzard on Ben Nevis with whiteout conditions, heavy snow, and temperatures around -20°C with windchill. They became lost and built a snow cave before attempting to reach the summit shelter, where they were found by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team after several hours. Both were evacuated by helicopter and suffered no serious injuries.

Outcome: located in summit shelter and evacuated by helicopter

Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber

avalanche Highlands Serious incident

A climber died in an avalanche on Creag Meagaidh in Lochaber while climbing with a companion. The 54-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died despite emergency response from multiple mountain rescue teams. His climbing partner survived with serious injuries.

Outcome: casualty died in hospital; companion airlifted and survived with serious injuries

Ben Nevis

missing persons Highlands Serious incident

Two climbers from Bradford, Rachel Slater and Tim Newton, went missing on Ben Nevis on 15 February 2016 after failing to return from an outing. Mountain rescuers conducted ongoing search efforts in the Coire na Ciste area, hampered by hazardous weather including snow and high winds. The status of the couple remained unresolved at the time of reporting.

Outcome: unresolved search continuing

January 2016

1 incident

Ben Nevis, North Face

injured climber Highlands

A climber fell approximately 50 feet in Green Gully on Ben Nevis's North Face and sustained facial injuries. He and his companion climbed out via Number 3 Gully and were assisted by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and airlifted by helicopter to hospital.

Outcome: airlifted by helicopter to Belford Hospital

October 2015

1 incident

Ben Nevis, Observatory Gully

climbers in difficulty Highlands

Four climbers spent a night on Ben Nevis after encountering difficulty during their descent in Observatory Gully. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team located the party and assisted them to a location where a coastguard helicopter airlifted them from the mountain. None of the group sustained injuries.

Outcome: airlifted by coastguard helicopter, uninjured

August 2015

2 incidents

Carn Mor Dearg Arete, Ben Nevis

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 51-year-old hillwalker from the Aberdeen area died after falling 400–600 feet from the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, a ridge adjacent to Ben Nevis. His companions raised the alarm on Friday morning and Lochaber Mountain Rescue recovered his body; he was pronounced dead at Fort William hospital. Conditions were reported as good and the group was well-equipped.

Outcome: fatality

Ben Nevis

fatal walking incident Highlands Serious incident

A West Herts College lecturer died while walking on Ben Nevis in August 2015. His family held a fundraising collection for Lochaber Mountain Rescue during a Proclaimers performance at Watford Colosseum, raising over £1,000 in his memory.

Outcome: casualty died

July 2015

2 incidents
missing persons Highlands Serious incident

Two walkers disappeared in separate incidents in the Glen Nevis and Steall area of the Highlands. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and RAF Mountain Rescue Team conducted extensive searches over the weekend but found no trace of either person. Rescuers have covered all potential routes and appealed for other walkers to report any sightings of gear or clothing.

Outcome: not found

missing persons Highlands

Two hillwalkers were reported missing in the Lochaber area: Eric Cyl, 62, last seen at the end of May in the Mamore mountains near Fort William, and Tom Brown, 65, last seen on 1 July. Mountain rescue teams conducted extensive searches across Glen Nevis, the Mamores, and surrounding areas, with a rucksack belonging to Tom Brown found near Steall Falls on 9 July.

Outcome: ongoing search

May 2015

1 incident
missing person Highlands Serious incident

An experienced hillwalker from England was reported missing after failing to return from a planned six-hour walk in the Mamore mountains near Lochaber on Saturday. A search and rescue operation involving Coastguard helicopter, mountain rescue teams from Lochaber and Glencoe, sniffer dogs, and over 30 volunteers was launched; rescue leaders indicated the operation had transitioned to a recovery effort given the length of time missing and harsh weather conditions.

Outcome: search operation underway, transitioned to recovery operation

March 2015

2 incidents

Ben Nevis

missing person Highlands

A search was underway for a 23-year-old walker from London reported missing on Ben Nevis. He was last seen around 10am on Monday and failed to return to his accommodation in Fort William. The search involved Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Teams, the RAF, search and rescue dogs, and a Sea King helicopter.

Ben Nevis, Coire Eòghainn

walkers fallen into corrie Highlands

Four walkers fell approximately 130 feet into Coire Eòghainn on Ben Nevis after straying from the tourist path during a blizzard descent. One casualty self-evacuated to Glen Nevis where he was picked up by a member of the public and taken to hospital; the other three were met by rescuers while walking down with non-serious injuries.

Outcome: one casualty taken to hospital, three walked down with non-serious injuries

February 2015

1 incident

Aonach Mòr, east face

climber fall with head and neck injuries Highlands Serious incident

A climber suffered head and neck injuries in a fall on the east face of Aonach Mòr on Saturday. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and Nevis Range Ski Patrol attended, and the casualty was airlifted by RAF Sea King helicopter to Belford Hospital in Fort William, then transferred to Glasgow by Royal Navy helicopter.

Outcome: airlifted to hospital by RAF Sea King, transferred to Glasgow by Royal Navy Sea King

January 2015

3 incidents

Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

crag-fast climbers Highlands

Two climbers became cragfast on Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis's North Face on Saturday evening. After a night on the mountain, they were winched to safety by a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter the following morning in good condition.

Outcome: both climbers winched to safety uninjured

Ben Nevis, Observatory Gully

missing climbers Highlands

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter was forced to make an unscheduled landing at the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team base after suffering a technical failure while assisting in a rescue operation on Ben Nevis. Two climbers were located safe and well in Observatory Gully by the rescue team with helicopter support, despite demanding weather conditions with winds gusting to 90mph.

Outcome: climbers located safe and well

Ben Nevis, No. 4 gully

avalanche Highlands

Five people were caught in an avalanche on Ben Nevis caused by a cornice collapse in No. 4 gully. All involved managed to walk out with only one minor injury reported. The incident involved support from multiple mountain rescue teams and helicopter assistance.

Outcome: all walked out with one minor injury

August 2014

1 incident

Rùm

missing hillwalker, fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

An elderly hillwalker was reported overdue on the Hebridean island of Rùm. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, Coastguard, and Police Scotland mounted a search, during which a body was recovered from a mountainside. The man appeared to have suffered a fatal fall.

Outcome: body recovered

June 2014

2 incidents

Aonach Mòr

injured walker Highlands Serious incident

A tourist broke his ankle on Aonach Mòr while attempting to climb in flip-flops to see snow. He and two companions were found halfway up the 4,000ft mountain and were rescued by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, who transported him by stretcher.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher

Ben Nevis

crag-fast walker; injured climber Highlands

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to two incidents on Ben Nevis. A novice walker became cragfast on steep crags in Coire Eòghainn after straying from the summit in poor weather and was rescued by Royal Navy Sea King helicopter. Earlier the same day, another walker was injured in a fall from the Carn Mòr Dearg Arête and was airlifted to hospital.

Outcome: crag-fast walker airlifted to safety by Sea King; injured walker airlifted to Belford Hospital, Fort William

February 2014

1 incident

Beinn Eibhinn

fallen climber Highlands Serious incident

A climber fell through a cornice on Beinn Eibhinn and was successfully rescued by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team after a 10-hour operation in severe conditions. Team members faced extreme difficulty navigating whiteout conditions with very high winds and heavy snowfall, and were themselves avalanched and fell through cornices multiple times during the rescue.

Outcome: casualty recovered safe and well

February 2012

1 incident

Ben Nevis

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A climber died following a fall of over 1,000 feet on Ben Nevis. The incident occurred near the summit, and the climber's companion was seriously injured in the same accident.

Outcome: climber killed, companion seriously injured

August 2007

1 incident

Ben Alder, Cairngorms

mountain fall Highlands Serious incident

A 43-year-old experienced hillwalker from Aberdeen fell 300ft to his death near the summit of Ben Alder in the Cairngorms during atrocious weather on Saturday. He slipped on the descent path of the south east ridge close to a cliff edge. His two companions raised the alarm and were safely escorted off the mountain by rescue teams.

Outcome: fatality

October 2005

1 incident

Ring of Steall, Glen Nevis

fatal fall Highlands Serious incident

A 21-year-old Royal Marine died after falling approximately 300 feet during a climbing exercise on the east side of the Ring of Steall in Glen Nevis. The incident occurred on Sunday morning shortly before 11:00 BST. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was airlifted to the scene but the casualty was pronounced dead from his injuries.

Outcome: casualty deceased

March 2002

1 incident

Ben Nevis

climber fall Highlands

A 44-year-old climber fell more than 70 metres on Ben Nevis's north face when an ice screw failed, but was saved by a rope attached to an earlier screw. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team spent almost 12 hours rescuing both climbers in difficult weather conditions, and the casualty was taken to hospital in satisfactory condition.

Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to hospital in satisfactory condition