Time wasting rescue operation

Mountain rescue teams are warning walkers to take care in the hills of Wales over the bank holiday as they brace themselves for a busy weekend with good weather bringing even more people into the countryside.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation’s volunteers and a coastguard helicopter who called out to help after a young couple contacted the emergency services from Moel Siabod on Saturday at about 5pm

Chris Lloyd, a spokesman for the mountain rescue team said the couple had climbed the mountain south-west of Capel Curig.

He said: “On their descent, the young woman twisted her knee. She sat down and her partner telephoned North Wales Police for mountain rescue.

“The Ogwen team leader was contacted. He telephoned the informant to try to establish where they were and the extent on the injury. The team leader explained that as the helicopter was busy with other calls, it was unlikely it would be available for over an hour, therefore team members would walk up with a stretcher.

He said the rescue helicopter then arrived and the crew was able to winch the couple aboard and fly them down to the base of the mountain. The team was shocked to discover that on landing the woman jumped down from the aircraft and walked away.

“The couple, dressed only in shorts and t-shirts, one in gym shoes, the other in trainers, were not carrying any rucksack or bags at all. They had no map, no spare clothing to protect them from the cooling breeze on the tops, no spare food or drink and no idea.

“This was a total waste of time for the volunteers of the mountain rescue team, who had their Saturday evening plans interrupted for no good reason and the crew of the helicopter who already had a demanding day with multiple incidents.The team leader strongly advised the couple of his feelings.”

Mountain rescue teams across the area are urging people to enjoy the bank holiday but if walking in the mountains go equipped and no their own limits.