Saturday, January 24, 2009

Climbers 'serious' after rescue

Climbers 'serious' after rescue

Buachaille Etive Mor
The incident happened on Buachaille Etive Mor near to Fort William

Three climbers who were rescued following an avalanche on a mountain in the Highlands are said to be in a serious condition.

Two helicopters were scrambled to Buchaille Etive Mor in Glencoe after police were alerted at about 1200 GMT.

The three injured climbers were taken to the Belford Hospital in Fort William and one was due to be transferred to a hospital in Glasgow.

A number of other climbers were treated on the mountain.

Insp Pamela Ross from Northern Constabulary, confirmed at about 1500 GMT on Saturday that casualties had been airlifted to hospital.

As far as I'm aware at the moment, we're not looking for anyone else
Insp Pamela RossNorthern Constabulary
She said: "My understanding is, having spoken to the officers at the scene, is that everybody is now accounted for.

"As far as I'm aware at the moment, we're not looking for anyone else."

First on the scene was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.

The second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.

But one helicopter had to be grounded because of blizzard conditions.

Mountain Rescue Teams
Mountain rescuers were involved with the operation
The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".

It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.

"Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse."

Northern Constabulary Police has been co-ordinating the operation.

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