Mountain rescue launched after three climbers injured in severe weather

Mountain rescue teams in Glencoe faced a challenging ten-hour mission after three climbers were injured during severe weather.

Glencoe MRT were first called when a member of a three-person group sustained a fall high on Bidean nam Bian.

The situation quickly escalated as the two companions attempting to reach the casualty also slipped, losing all but one of their ice axes in the process.

The group became stranded in steep and complex terrain above Gleann Fhaolain.

GMR volunteers were mobilised and made progress into Glen Etive using ATVs, allowing them to gain as much height as possible before continuing the ascent on foot.

Battling difficult conditions and hazardous ground, the team eventually located the stranded walkers.

A request for helicopter assistance was made, and Rescue 199 from Prestwick arrived on the scene, however, a laser was aimed at the aircraft.

With no viable landing options, the helicopter was forced to withdraw.

Using a combination of controlled sliding and short-roping techniques, they carefully brought the casualties down to the waiting ATVs in an operation that lasted over 10 hours.

A spokesperson for the rescue team said: “After locating the casualties, it was clear that extrication by foot was going to be incredibly difficult, so helicopter assistance was requested and Rescue 199 from Prestwick, swiftly arrived on scene.

“Despite the crew’s best efforts (while dodging a laser aimed at the aircraft), downdrafts in the glen made winching impossible.

“With no options to land, the helicopter departed, and the team continued slowly downward on foot, using a mixture of sliding and short roping back to the ATVs.

“Tired and cold team members returned home over 10 hours after setting out on this rescue.”