Walkers suffering from hypothermia saved from Cader Idris in major rescue operation

A group of walkers suffering from hypothermia had to be saved after getting stuck near the summit of Cader Idris at the weekend.

Mountain rescuers received reports of four people in difficulty on the mountain in Snowdonia at approximately 3.45pm on Saturday.

Members of the party were originally part of a larger group, who set out from Minffordd earlier in the day.

Some of the group turned back before reaching the summit because of the poor weather conditions, but the others pressed on despite poor visibility, strong winds, heavy rain and hail storms.

As they approached the top of the mountain, a man who was part of the group started to suffer symptoms of hypothermia and they decided to call for help.

Fortunately they were found by a member of the Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team who happened to be walking in the area and a mobile phone was used to pinpoint their location.

The man who fell ill was reported to be slipping in and out of consciousness, so the rescuer took immediate action to protect him from the harsh weather conditions.

The walker’s three companions also started to feel the effects and were directed to a shelter at the summit to take cover.

Requests for help were then made to the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team and the H.M. Coastguard helicopter crew based in Caernarfon.

Rescuers were airlifted part way up the mountain backed up by two teams who made their way up on foot.

The Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team said: “Team members assessed the first casualty, getting him ready for the stretcher party following on shortly behind.

“Meanwhile, having been given dry warm clothes, food and warm drinks, the party of three were collected from the summit hut and reunited with the first casualty for the journey off the mountain.

“Moving faster than the stretcher, the summit hut-party emerged from the cloud-base first and the group was transported down the rest of the way by Rescue936.

“The helicopter returned to pick up the stretcher party, now stopped as the casualty was in an increasingly critical condition.

“Some skilful flying meant that the stretcher could be winched onboard and the casualty was flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd for further assessment and treatment.”

All team members were safely accounted for and heading home by 1am.

In total, 31 mountain rescue volunteers spent around 270 hours performing the rescue operation.