Two climbers rescued from Glencoe after horror fall in ‘challenging’ snow storm

Two climbers had to be rescued from Glencoe after one of them suffered a horrific fall during a “challenging” snowstorm. The incident occurred on Friday, October 6, prompting the Lochaber Mountain Rescue team to swiftly respond to Buachaille Etive Mòr following a call from Police Scotland.

The climbers found themselves in trouble when one of them sustained a shoulder injury from a terrifying fall in difficult snow conditions. The Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team was unavailable as they were celebrating their Christmas party, so the Lochaber team, with assistance from RAF Lossiemouth Mountain Rescue Team, conducted a complex rescue operation.

Despite facing adverse weather conditions, including challenging snow and terrain, the rescue team successfully extracted the injured climber using a long, multi-stage rope lowering technique followed by a stretcher carry back to safety. This rescue marked the 160th callout of the year for the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

In a social media post, the team described the rescue mission as follows: “Through very challenging weather and snow conditions, we worked alongside RAF Lossiemouth MRT to extract the casualty via a long multi-stage rope lower over difficult ground, followed by a stretcher carry back to the road. After a long night, everyone was back at base for breakfast by 8am, marking the end of our 160th callout of the year.”

Acknowledging the challenging conditions and the collaborative effort involved in the rescue, the team expressed gratitude towards Coastguard R199 from Prestwick for their support. While the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team had to miss their Christmas party to provide cover for the rescue operation, the night concluded without further incidents.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and bravery displayed by mountain rescue teams in responding to emergencies, even amidst adverse weather conditions and festive celebrations.

Insights: Mountain rescue teams play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts in challenging environments. Their commitment to saving lives and their ability to navigate difficult terrains under extreme weather conditions are commendable. The collaborative efforts between different rescue teams demonstrate the importance of teamwork and coordination in emergency situations, highlighting the resilience and professionalism of these rescue personnel.