The Killarney Gardaí alerted the Team when a
walker went missing from a group on the Old Kenmare Road. The
Team was mobilised but the call was cancelled soon afterwards
when the person returned to her car at Derrycunnihy.
19th February 2000. Devil's Ladder. Assistance.
Killarney Gardai called the Team when they received
a call from a walker saying she had broken her ankle. On calling
her back it was established that she was at the top of the Devil's
Ladder. The Team was immediately mobilised and the IMES helicopter
was requested. As the Team was moving in the Hag's Glen the helicopter
effected the rescue and removed the casualty to Tralee General
Hospital.
8th March 2000. Colly. Alert.
Caherciveen Gardaí contacted the Team after
a group of fifteen were reported overdue on a climb of Colly mountain.
As the callout was being assessed the group returned safely.
18th March 2000. Torc. Rescue.
The Team was called when a group of scouts were overdue
on a climb of Torc. The group was escorted from the hill by the
Team, assisted by National Park Rangers.
26th March 2000. Coomloughra. Rescue.
The Tralee Gardaí contacted the Team having
received a call from a group of walkers saying that one of their
group had broken his lower leg. The Team carried the casualty
from the mountain by stretcher and handed him over to an awaiting
ambulance.
2nd April 2000. Curraghmore. Rescue
The Team was called on to rescue a walker who had suffered
a broken ankle whilst walking on the Kerry Way near Curraghmore.
The casualty was treated at the scene and then carried by stretcher
to O'Sullivan's yard and from there by car to Kate's. Members
of her group then transported her back to Cork University Hospital.
23rd April 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
An anxious friend of three people who were climbing
Carrauntoohil contacted the Team, as the weather on the mountain
was bad and the party was badly equipped. The group returned safely
prior to the full mobilisation of the Team.
27th April 2000. Hag's Glen. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team following
reports of a walker who had injured her lower leg whilst walking
from Cronin's yard towards Carrauntoohil. The incident happened
near where the path from Cronin's meets the path from Lisliebane.
The injury was treated at the scene and she was evacuated to the
Lisleibane track, involving a crossing of the Gaddagh River and
a roped stretcher haul up the steep bank. She was then carried
by stretcher to Lisleibane and from there in the Unimog to Killarney
District Hospital, where she was transferred to an ambulance.
27th April 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
The Team were contacted following a report from a camper
in the Hag's Glen that he had seen a light flashing on Carrauntoohil.
On investigation the light proved to be the "millennium strobe"
on the summit cross.
30th April 2000. Alohart. Search.
The Team was mobilised following reports that two people,
who had been walking in the Alohart area, had heard calls for
help. An extensive search was then commenced which continued until
nightfall before being suspended. A scaled down search involving
two SARDA dogs was carried out on the following day. Nothing was
found.
2nd May 2000. Torc. Alert.
The Team was contacted by Killarney Gardaí when
a walker (who had separated from his friend whilst walking in
the Torc/Old Kenmare Road area) reported his companion overdue.
Two Team members went to Torc waterfall car park to interview
the person. On arrival at the car park it was found that the missing
person had just returned.
7th May 2000. Glengarriff. Assistance (non-mountain
fatality).
Tralee ambulance control contacted the Team to assist
in the recovery of the body of a person who had fallen from the
road near the "tunnels" on the Kenmare/Glengarriff road.
As the Team was about to set off the call was cancelled as the
local fire service had succeeded in recovering the body from its
inaccessible position.
20th May 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
Killarney Gardaí
contacted the Team following a phone call from a walker who stated that he
was lost and that his companion was exhausted after they had set out
to climb Carrauntoohil earlier in the day. Two Team members travelled to Lisleibane and
Lough Acoose to ascertain where the pair had started. The couple
were found at the bottom of the "hydro road" having
made their own way down.
17th June 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
At 11.45pm the Team received a call from Killarney
Gardaí that two people from Limerick who had set off from
Cronin's yard earlier in the day had not yet returned to their
car. As it was not known precisely where the two people were heading
for or whether they were planning to camp, it was decided to delay
a detailed search until first light. At 6.00am it was discovered
that the car was no longer there and the Team were stood down.
Several people are known to have spent the night on the summit
to observe the dawn on one of the longest days of the year and
it is presumed that these people had the same intention.
15th July 2000. Carrauntoohil. Assistance.
The Team was called when the leader of a group of walkers
on Carrauntoohil reported that he was lost and that one of his
group was exhausted. Having made contact with him over a mobile
phone it was possible to ascertain where he was and to talk him
down.
15th July 2000. Carrauntoohil. Assistance.
When the Killarney Gardaí called the Team to
get an update on the previous callout they reported that they
had received another call from a couple on Carrauntoohil also
saying that they were lost. As with the previous callout, contact
was made by mobile phone and the couple were talked down.
11th August 2000. Caha Mountains (Rabuck's Glen).
Rescue
Kenmare Gardaí called the Team to rescue a walker
(a member of a Czech group) who had fallen and suffered a broken
femur whilst climbing at the back of the Rabuck's Glen. The Shannon
Coast Guard helicopter was requested however it was on another
call at the time and would possibly be delayed. In the event,
the Team and the helicopter arrived on the scene almost simultaneously.
On assessing the scene it proved impossible for the helicopter
to reach the casualty directly. The casualty was therefore treated
at the scene and stretchered to the nearest suitable landing zone,
from where he was evacuated by helicopter to Tralee General Hospital.
19th August 2000. Tomies. Alert
Killarney Gardaí called the Team when they got
a report late on Saturday evening of a car parked on the Tomies
road. It was decided to wait until morning before taking any action.
In the early morning the Gardaí reported back that the
car belonged to a group who had camped overnight on the mountain.
25th August 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert
At 22.30 the Killarney Gardaí called the Team
when a group of campers reported seeing a light flashing on the
summit of Carrauntoohil. On speaking with the group it was established
that the light was the strobe on the summit cross. No further
action was taken
27th September 2000. Eagle's Nest. Assistance.
At 18.00 the Team was called when a group of six tourists
and a local guide reported that they were on the Eagle's Nest
and could not find their way off it. They also reported that they
were cold and very tired. The Team was mobilised and approached
the area via the Old Weir bridge. After a short time the group
were seen approaching having made their way down from the hill.
They were escorted from the area and taken by Team transport to
their hotel.
15th December 2000. Killarney Area. Alert.
The Killarney Gardaí asked for the assistance
of the Team in their search for a missing person. The search was
to start on the following morning at 09.30. On checking back with
the Gardaí early on Saturday morning we were informed that
the person had returned home at 05.10.
27th December 2000. Tomies Wood. Alert.
The Team was called by Killarney Gardaí when
a walker reported himself lost in Tomies wood. Shortly afterwards
the call was cancelled as the man was found by National Park Rangers.
29th December 2000. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
Gardaí got a report of the sighting of a flashing
light on the summit of the mountain and subsequently called the
Team. Investigation proved that the "millennium strobe"
had struck again!
11th January 2001. Glentenassig. Alert.
The Team was called by Tralee Gardaí following
reports of an injured walker in Glentenassig. The Team was mobilised
but the call was cancelled before reaching the site as the injured
person was rescued by Tralee fire brigade.
28th January 2001. Crohane. Rescue.
Following reports of a member of a Cork walking group
having injured his knee, the Team was mobilised and base was set
up at the back of Lough Guitane. The casualty was found 500ft
above Lough Nabroda on Crohane. It was decided to carry him to
the Kilgarvan road so base was relocated to Rosacroonaloo Wood.
At 20.30 the casualty was transferred to a car which took him
back to Cork.
Note: All mountain activities were curtailed from February
- mid May 2001 due to foot and mouth disease.
25th May 2001. Mangerton. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí called the Team when they got
a report that a member of a school trip to Mangerton had collapsed.
The Team was mobilised and the Shannon helicopter was called.
As the casualty was just under cloud level the helicopter was
able to evacuate the casualty to Tralee hospital.
17th June 2001. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
Whilst on a training day the Team was called to rescue
a walker who had become ill on Carrauntoohil. The walker was found
near Cummeen Uachtair lake slowly making his way down aided by
companions. The Team assisted him down the remaining way.
24th June 2001. Tomies. Alert.
The Team was alerted by Gardaí when a local
guesthouse owner got worried about two walkers who had left that
morning to walk on Tomies. They were due back at 17.30. On investigation
it became apparent that they had returned to Killarney without
calling back to the guesthouse.
8th July 2001. Hag's Glen. Alert.
Following consultation with Gardaí, Team members went to investigate an seemingly abandoned
tent that had been noted in an isolated location for at least
a fortnight. On examination it quickly became apparent that the
tent was in regular use.
13th July 2001. Devil's Ladder. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team following
a report that a climber had fallen on the Devil's Ladder. The
Shannon Helicopter was called but could not reach the casualty
due to intermittent low cloud. The Team lowered the casualty by
stretcher to Ard na Locha from where the helicopter took him to
Tralee hospital.
27th July 2001. Keel. Alert.
The Team was called by Tralee Gardaí when they
got a report that an elderly local man, who had gone for a walk
on the hills behind his home, was long overdue. Whilst the Team
were on the phone to his family the man returned home.
3rd August 2001. Hag's Glen. Rescue.
As two walkers were circumnavigating Lough Gouragh
they became trapped on the cliffs behind the lake. Both people
were lowered to safety by the Team.
11th August 2001. Rossbeigh. Assistance.
During the annual "Trasna na dTonnta" swim,
members of the Team were called on to assist a woman who had suffered
upper body injuries following a fall from a horse on the back
strand at Rossbeigh. She was transferred by ambulance to Tralee
hospital.
13th August 2001. Derrymore. Rescue.
The Team was called following a report that a walker,
who was walking the Dingle Way, had injured his knee and was unable
to walk. He was stretcher lowered to the Tralee - Dingle road
and then taken to Tralee hospital.
21st October 2001. Torc. Alert.
The Team was called by Killarney Gardaí when
they got a report that a couple, who had been walking in the Torc
waterfall area, had become separated and one of them was overdue.
As the call was being assessed the missing person returned.
26th December 2001. Carrauntoohil. Fatality & Rescue.
A person approached Team members on the summit of Carrauntoohil
with a report that he had received a call from a friend who was
climbing with two others on Howling Ridge. Apparently one had
fallen a considerable distance. The body of the man was found
on the track below the 'Heavenly Gates'. His two friends, although
uninjured, were cragfast on the ledge from which the fall had
occurred. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter lifted the two stranded
climbers from their precarious position before returning to the
scene to remove the body to Ard na Locha, from where the remains
were transported to the roadhead at Lisleibane.
29th December 2001. Hag's Glen. Rescue.
The Team was called to rescue a walker who had slipped
whilst jumping across a stream, sustaining suspected ligament
damage. She was carried by stretcher to Lisleibane and transported
by ambulance to Tralee General Hospital.
6th January 2002. Devil's Ladder. Rescue.
The Team was called to assist a climber who had fallen
near the top of the Devil's Ladder, sustaining facial injuries.
She was assisted down the Ladder and transported to Lisleibane
and subsequently to Tralee General Hospital.
As the Team were preparing to respond to the previous
callout, a report came in of a serious accident in an isolated
area close to Lough Dubh. It transpired that three climbers from
a group of four had fallen, with two reported fatalities. The
Team immediately contacted the Coast Guard Helicopter and rushed
to an agreed RV point, from where the helicopter airlifted Team
members and equipment to the scene. A search of the area found
an injured person near the foot of a narrow gully who was evacuated
by helicopter in fading light, suffering from head and back injuries.
A treacherous night search of the gully unfortunately confirmed
that the other two party members had lost their lives. At this
stage the operation was suspended until first light due to the
dangerous conditions. Following a further helicopter airlift of
Team personnel in the morning, the bodies were lowered to the
foot of the gully. Due to the inaccessible nature of the lakeshore
at this point, they were transported by inflatable canoe to a
more suitable helicopter winching point, from where they were
removed by helicopter to the Black Valley, where relatives had
assembled.
20th January 2002. Gougane Barra. Rescue.
The Team were contacted by mobile phone after a group
of seven walkers from Cork became lost and benighted in the Gougane
Barra area. The group were quickly located by the Team and walked
off to safety.
27th February 2002. Killarney. Referral (non-mountain
fatality).
Killarney Gardaí called on the Team to assist
them in their search for a local man who had been missing since
the previous morning. His car was found in a lay-by near Torc
waterfall. It was suggested that Killarney Water Rescue should
be called and that KMRT be available if needed. The man's body
was found in the water the following morning.
10th March 2002. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
The Team was called following a report of a climber
suffering from severe head injuries after being struck by a rock
on a route known as "The Step". The Coast Guard helicopter was
called but was unable to operate due to the confined nature of
the area and poor weather conditions. The casualty, who had suffered
a fractured skull and other injuries, was treated at the scene
and lowered from the gully. The helicopter again tried to assist
but bad weather forced it to return to Shannon. The casualty was
subsequently stretchered to an awaiting ambulance.
22nd March 2002. Killarney. Alert.
The Team was contacted when lights were seen on an
island on Lough Léin. The Gardaí and the National
Park rangers were notified. The Team was put on standby but no
further action was required.
23rd March 2002. Hag's Glen. Alert.
Two walkers called to Killarney Garda station reporting
that they had heard calls for help coming from the vicinity of
Toinne. Three Team members went to the Hag's Glen to investigate.
Walkers, returning from Carrauntoohil, when asked said they had
heard nothing. Whistles were sounded from Ard na Locha and the
area was scanned with binoculars. Nothing was heard or seen. The
callout was cancelled.
31st March 2002. Knocknadobar. Rescue.
Tralee Gardaí called the Team following a report
of an injured walker on Knocknadobar. The Team was mobilised to
RV at Caherciveen power station. The injured person, who had sustained
a broken ankle during a pilgrimage walk, was treated at the scene
and stretchered to an awaiting ambulance.
7th April 2002. Broaghnabinna. Alert.
The Team was contacted following a report of shouts
coming from the northern slopes of Broaghnabinna. Team members
went to the Bridia valley to check the report. Having scanned
the area with binoculars and having got no response to whistles
and calls the callout was suspended. Later that evening another
report of shouts from the same area was received. The Team was
mobilised with some members going to the Bridia valley and the
rest going to the Black valley. Again no response was received
to calls and whistles. At this stage the callout was cancelled.
19th May 2002. Feabrahy Ridge. Fatality.
A report was received that a climber had sustained
a significant fall from the Feabrahy ridge, close to Lough Gooch.
The Team alerted the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter and rushed
to the scene. Unfortunately it was confirmed that the climber
had lost his life in the fall, and the body was subsequently airlifted
to Tralee.
6th July 2002. Gap of Dunloe. Rescue.
The Team were alerted following reports that a solo
climber had become cragfast close to the route 'Ferdia' in the
Gap of Dunloe. Contact was made with the climber, who was uninjured,
and he was subsequently lowered from the crag with the use of
a strop.
7th July 2002. Devil's Ladder. Rescue.
Gardaí contacted the Team at 7.30am with a report
of a climber (a participant in a 'four peaks challenge' style
event) who had fallen and sustained serious injuries on the Devil's
Ladder. Telephone contact was made with the group on the hill,
and following verification of the nature of the casualty's injuries,
the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter was also alerted. The helicopter
airlifted an advance party of Team members close to the scene,
who administered first aid to the casualty. Shortly afterwards,
the rest of the Team arrived on the scene and began to prepare
for a stretcher lower to a suitable helicopter pick-up point.
The casualty was subsequently airlifted to hospital in Tralee,
suffering from head and neck injuries, multiple fractures and
hypothermia.
12th July 2002. Devil's Ladder. Rescue.
The Team were alerted by Gardaí at 6.45pm following
reports of a climber who had injured her leg on the Devil's Ladder
and was unable to walk. Team members made their way to the scene,
administered first aid and stretchered the casualty down to Ard
na Locha. She was subsequently evacuated by Landrover and transferred
to an ambulance at 12.30am.
19th July 2002. Caher. Assistance.
A group of walkers telephoned Gardaí to say
that they were lost somewhere on Caher in mist. The Team co-ordinator
contacted the group and was able to 'talk them down' by mobile
phone.
21st July 2002. Beenkeeragh. Rescue.
A Team member was contacted with a report of a walker
who had suffered an injury close to the summit of Beenkeeragh
after a rock had tumbled onto his foot. The initial report was
that the walker was going to make his own way down with the assistance
of companions, however it soon became apparent that this would
not be possible as the injury was worse than first thought. A
callout was therefore initiated and the man was stretchered down
the Coomloughra side of the mountain and transferred to an ambulance
at the bottom of the 'hydro track', suffering from several broken
bones in his foot.
30th July 2002. Caher. Fatality.
Shortly after 2.00pm the Team received a report that
a walker had collapsed and died suddenly from an acute medical
condition on the ridge between Caher and Carrauntoohil. The Team
made its way to the scene, and the body was subsequently stretchered
down the Devil's Ladder to Lisleibane.
3rd August 2002. Mangerton. Alert.
The Team were alerted after a group of three had strayed
from the Old Kenmare Road in mist and become lost. During a preliminary
road search a Team member located the group safe and well shortly
before a concerned relative also arrived on the scene.
5th August 2002. Derrycunnihy. Search.
Killarney Gardaí called the Team to say that
an experienced American walker who had left Kate Kearney's at
14.30 to walk to Derrycunnihy Church had failed to RV with his
brother as arranged.The man had been wrongly advised that the
walk would take two hours (normal time 3-4 hours minimum), however
at this stage the man was several hours overdue. Team members
were deployed walking the route and driving nearby roads in a
preliminary search but no trace of the walker was found. At 00.30
the search was stood down and a full-scale search was organised
for first light. Shortly after this it was established that the
man had returned to his accommodation, and the Team were stood
down. It is assumed that the man had arrived at the RV point at
the same time that his brother had driven to Molly Darcy's to
raise the alarm, and made his own way home when there was nobody
there to meet him. The two brothers had no way of contacting each
other, and no contingency plan if they failed to meet up as arranged.
9th August 2002. Devil's Ladder. Rescue.
The Team received a report from Killarney Gardaí
that a walker had been injured on the Devil's Ladder following
a fall. On contacting the party by phone it was established that
the man had sustained head, arm and pelvic injuries, and was in
a serious condition. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was requested
and the Team made its way to the location as rapidly as possible.
The casualty was treated at the scene, stretcher-lowered to the
foot of the Devil's Ladder and evacuated in fading light to a
suitable pick-up point, from where he was transported by helicopter
to hospital in Tralee.
12th August 2002. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
Two support staff for a Five Peaks Challenge event
became disorientated and benighted on different parts of the mountain
after poor weather closed in around them. The Team located the
two individuals some distance apart in the early hours of the
morning, and escorted them down to safety in appalling weather
conditions.
23rd August 2002. Hags Glen. Alert.
Gardaí were contacted after a group of walkers
heard shouts coming from the direction of Cummeenoughter. Two
Team members went to the area to investigate and established that
there had been two people rounding up sheep in the area at the
time. As neither farmer had seen or heard anything out of the
ordinary it was assumed that the shouts were their own, and the
alert was stood down.
28th August 2002. Lispole. Alert.
The Team were put on standby following a report from
Tralee Gardaí that a helicopter had crashed into a hillside
in mist in the Lispole area, with one reported fatality. The Team's
assistance in recovering the remains was not subsequently required.
7th September 2002. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
Following a report that a walker was long overdue
on a walk from Cronin's Yard to the Black Valley, the Team were
put on standby while preliminary checks were made. During this
time the man turned up safe and well near Lough Acoose and the
alert was stood down.
22nd September 2002. Coomacloghane. Alert.
A group of walkers contacted the Team from the Coomacloghane
Pocket area to say that one of their party members was suffering
from exhaustion, but was being assisted from the mountain by fellow
group members. The Team were put on standby but no further action
was required.
6th October 2002. Millstreet. Assistance.
Cork Ambulance Control contacted the Team following
a report of a young walker who had suffered an open fracture of
the lower leg whilst walking on Clara mountain. The Irish Coast Guard
helicopter was called but was unable to respond immediately as
it was on another operation. Whilst the Team were en route to
Millstreet however, the helicopter became available and succeeded
in airlifting the casualty to hospital.
26th October 2002. Hag's Glen. Assistance.
The Team received a report that a party of English
walkers were benighted after having been unable to cross the swollen
Gaddagh River. Following a series of phone calls to try and establish
the party's exact position, the Team was informed that they had
made contact with a local farmer who was guiding them to safety.
31st October 2002. Hag's Glen. Alert.
A report came in that a pair of American walkers had
telephoned friends to say that they were at the "head of
the trail" but were quite distressed. Before further information
could be gained, phone contact was lost. A party of Team members
were preparing to make their way into the Hag's Glen when word
came through that the pair were safe and well. The alert was stood
down.
14th November 2002. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
The Team was called during the evening when two climbers
had contacted gardaí stating that they had climbed somewhere
on the North face of Carrauntoohil but were now unable to find
their way off it. They gave a grid reference of what they assumed
to be their location. Four Team members went on the mountain in
heavy fog and spent considerable time trying to locate the climbers.
On descending Brother O'Shea's Gully verbal contact was made and
an attempt was again made to locate them. Soon afterwards it was
decided to call off the search until daylight. The following morning
the pair were located and walked off to safety.
17th November 2002. Hag's Glen. Alert.
The Team received a report that a light had been seen
in the area below the Hag's Tooth. As nobody had been reported
overdue and no cars were left at the roadhead, the Team were put
on standby but no further action was required.
15th March 2003. West Cork. Referral.
Gardaí in Bandon contacted the Team following
a report of a car that had driven over a sea cliff. The Team passed
on details of the relevant Coast and Cliff Rescue group, and no
further action was required.
27th April 2003. Cloghane. Alert.
The Team were alerted by Dingle Coast and Cliff Rescue
Team, who were attempting to reach a man with a broken leg but
were having difficulties getting to him. The Irish Coast Guard
helicopter from Shannon was also finding it difficult to carry
out a successful airlift. The Team was put on standby but no further
action was required.
2nd May 2003. Devil's Ladder. Assistance.
A group of walkers reported that one of their party
had suffered an ankle injury while descending the Devil's Ladder,
and was being assisted down by other party members. A contingent
of Team members made their way to the area and met the party at
Ard na Locha. The injured person and his companions were evacuated
the remaining distance by Landrover.
5th June 2003. Reeks Ridge. Search.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team at 8.45pm
after receiving reports that a walker who had set off at 3.20am
to climb Carrauntoohil and traverse the Reeks Ridge had failed
to return. The man had left an accurate route description at his
hotel, along with his estimated time of return. A full callout
was initiated and a major search was planned to try and locate
the man before nightfall. As Team members were preparing to commence
their search routes, word was received that the man had turned
up safe and well in the Black Valley, some 18 hours after setting
off.
8th June 2003. Cloon. Assistance.
A Team member who was participating in a club walk
raised the alarm after one of the party sustained serious ankle
ligament damage following a short fall on a steep and rocky spur
south of Lough Reagh. A full callout was initiated, and due to
the isolated location of the incident and the rough nature of
the terrain, the Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky was requested to assist
in the operation. The casualty was subsequently winched on board
the helicopter and transferred to Tralee General Hospital, thus
avoiding what would have been an extremely long and arduous stretcher
evacuation.
29th June 2003. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
Two climbers became disorientated on the summit in
mist and mistakenly began to descend the exposed north ridge.
Following a near-accident in which one of the pair was almost
blown from the ridge by a strong gust, they retraced their steps
back to the summit and called for assistance. Two Team members
made their way to the summit from the Hag's Glen (where the Team
had been training) and led the pair to safety.
5th July 2003. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A group of three walkers which included a six year
old child had set off on 4th July with the intention of staying
overnight in the emergency shelter, ascending Carrauntoohil and
returning by early afternoon on 5th. A full callout was initiated
shortly after 9pm when the party had failed to return. The group
turned up safe and well shortly afterwards, having taken much
longer than expected to complete their plan.
12th July 2003. Brandon. Alert.
An elderly female walker fell on Brandon, injuring
her ankle. A passer-by who had witnessed the incident contacted
Tralee Gardaí by mobile phone when he reached an area of
coverage and the Team was alerted. The injured walker's party
contacted Gardaí themselves shortly afterwards however,
and said that assistance was not required as the casualty was
able to walk.
13th July 2003. Torc. Alert.
Two children went missing in the Torc waterfall area,
however they turned up safe and well prior to the full Team being
mobilised.
29th July 2003. Carrauntoohil. Alert.
Two climbers became disorientated in mist on Carrauntoohil,
and called for assistance. On contacting the pair it transpired
that they had located a path and descended below the level of
the mist. No further action was required.
4th August 2003. McGillycuddy Reeks. Rescue.
A climber fell a considerable distance while descending
the Cummeen Mór side of The Bone, sustaining serious head
injuries. His companion witnessed the fall but was unable to get
down to where the casualty was lying. A full callout was initiated
and following a lengthy stretcher lower and carry-out the casualty
was transferred to an ambulance at 11.30pm (the Irish Coast Guard
helicopter had earlier attended but was unable to effect a pick-up
due to weather conditions). The casualty was eventually released
from hospital several weeks later.
14th August 2003. Newcastlewest. Referral.
A request came from the Irish Coast Guard to provide
assistance in looking for an 82 year old woman suffering from
amnesia, who had gone missing in a wooded area close to Newcastlewest.
The call was passed on to SARDA, and was later taken on by SEMRA,
who have several Team members trained in low-level search management.
25th August 2003. Lispole. Search.
The Team were mobilised after several
independent witnesses reported seeing a light aircraft crashing
into the mountains near Lispole. The Team joined Fire Brigade
personnel at a makeshift base whilst the Irish Coast Guard helicopter
overflew the target area, however despite extensive searching
in clear conditions, the helicopter failed to locate a crash site.
Following further consultation with eye witnesses, the helicopter
then airlifted 6 Team members onto the hill to carry out a sweep
search of a specific area.
Despite extensive searching no trace
of wreckage was found. It was felt that the witnesses may have
seen a flare, as no aircraft were reported missing, however several
witnesses were adamant that it was a light aircraft that they
had seen. The incident remains unexplained.
30th/31st August 2003. Short Mountain. Search.
A call was received that a 38 year old asylum-seeker
had gone missing from a house on the side of short mountain. She
had left her two children and her medication in the house, along
with a note that hinted that she intended self-harm.
Despite extensive searching in the area, no trace of
the lady was found. She later turned up safe and well in the UK.
2nd October 2003. Torc. Search.
An experienced solo walker who had departed Kate Kearney's
at 11.15 and was due to be collected at Torc Waterfall at 16.30
failed to arrive and the Team were alerted. A full callout was
initiated at 20.00 and the walker was located on the Kenmare Road
shortly afterwards. There had been an apparent misunderstanding
about the collection point, and he had been waiting elsewhere
to meet his driver.
8th November 2003. Hags Glen. Fatality.
An inexperienced walker became separated from his
group on the Hag's Tooth Ridge in windy conditions. Some time
afterwards two walkers from a different party spotted a body on
a scree slope below the ridge. It is presumed that a gust of wind
caused the man to lose his balance and fall from the ridge. The
Team brought the man's body to Lisleibane.
16th February 2004. Lauragh. Assistance.
The Team were put on standby at 20.15 following reports
that a group of 19 walkers were experiencing difficulties descending
from a mountain in the Lauragh area. Initial reports were that
local people had gone up to lead the group to safety and that
no immediate response was required from the Team. A second call
was received some time later however to say that two people had
become separated from the group and were trapped on a ledge, and
that assistance from the Team was now needed. A full callout was
launched, however shortly before the Team arrived at the location
the two people were successfully led to safety by local people.
29th February 2004. The Paps. Alert.
The Team were contacted by Gardaí shortly after
midnight following a report that two men had asked for permission
to leave a car in a farmyard at the foot of the Paps but had failed
to return. The Team were put on standby for a full-scale search
at first light while two Team members went to the scene to investigate.
Meanwhile the Gardaí had established an identity for the
driver of the car following a number-plate check. Subsequent investigations
revealed that they had not planned to return to the car that evening
but had failed to notify the farmer of this when they spoke to
him earlier in the day. The callout was stood down at 3.30am.
6th March 2004. Brandon. Search.
Dingle Coast Guard contacted the Team at 11.30pm,
following reports that an American walker had failed to meet up
at an agreed RV point after separating from a friend some 12 hours
earlier in the Faha Ridge area. A contingent of KMRT members went
to assist Dingle Coast Guard on a night search whilst the remainder of
Team members were put on standby for a full search at first light.
At 3.00am it was discovered that the lady in question had booked
into a B&B in Tralee but had been unable to contact her friend.
The Team were stood down.
12th April 2004. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
The Team were contacted shortly after 15.30 with a
report that two walkers were in trouble on Carrauntoohil. On contacting
them it transpired that they were cragfast, but were unable to
give a precise location. A full callout was initiated and following
a brief search the pair were spotted in a spectacularly exposed
position on the NE face of the mountain, having taken the wrong
route in descent. A crag Team carefully made their way to the
area and abseiled down to the two men, who were then roped off
the mountain.
13th April 2004. Alert.
A report was received that a person had heard cries
for help in a mountainous area. A further call was received shortly
afterwards to say that the original call had been a mistake, as
the person had in fact been hearing sheep or goats.
22nd April 2004. Hag's Glen. Alert.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team following
a report from a member of the public that they had witnessed flares
and a helicopter in the Hag's Glen area. It was quickly established
that the Irish Coast Guard helicopter was on a training exercise
in the area, therefore no action was required.
6th-7th May 2004. Gap of Dunloe. Alert.
The Team were alerted after Killarney Gardaí
received a report that a car had been left at Kate Kearney's Cottage
for a number of days. Garda investigations indicated that it had
been hired by a couple from Rotterdam, and following contact with
friends of the couple it was established that the pair enjoyed
camping, however it was unclear whether or not that was their
intention on this trip. Messages were left on the couple's mobile
phone to contact the Gardaí as soon as possible. It was
agreed with the Gardaí for the Team to remain on standby
for 24 hours, as there was no indication whatsoever of which direction
the couple had intended to head in. The couple telephoned Gardaí
the following day to report that all was well.
14th May 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks. Rescue.
A call was received that a walker had collapsed on
the Reeks Ridge, close to the top of the 'Bone'. A full callout
was immediately initiated and the Team made their way to the casualty
location and commenced first aid treatment for a suspected cardiac
condition. The cloud base was below the level of the ridge, therefore
the casualty was loaded onto a stretcher and lowered for several
hundred feet until he was below cloud level. The Irish Coast Guard
helicopter then successfully winched the casualty on board and
transferred him to Tralee General Hospital.
6th June 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A report was received that a competitor in a mountain
running event was slightly overdue. The Team were put on standby
for a short period as it was decided that a full callout was a
little premature. The man turned up safe and well shortly afterwards
having become disorientated on the mountain and descended to the
wrong location.
7th June 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
Killarney Gardaí were called by a walker who
stated that he and his wife had planned to walk from Carrauntoohil
to Lough Acoose, via Caher, but "must have taken a wrong
turn". The pair were apparently uninjured but there were
no further details. Repeated attempts to contact the man by mobile
phone proved unsuccessful. A full callout was initiated and the
Team mobilised to Lough Acoose with the intention of carrying
out a broad sweep of the entire area. Shortly after arriving at
Lough Acoose phone contact was finally made, and the man stated
that the pair were safe and well in the Gap of Dunloe, having
made a major navigational error.
4th/5th July 2004. Brandon. Rescue.
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted a Team member for
advice at approximately 23.00 following a report that a teenage
walker had been injured in the Brandon area. TAC were advised
to contact Dingle Coast Guard in the first instance, while KMRT
would standby to respond if required. Shortly after midnight Valentia
Coast Guard Station contacted the Team to say that a response was
required and a full callout was launched, in conjunction with
Dingle Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter. The casualty
was located at approximately 5.30am following an extended search
and was treated on the scene for head and knee injuries, hypothermia
and extensive cuts and bruising. He was then airlifted to Tralee
General Hospital by the Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky. He later underwent
surgery before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.
29th July 2004. Brandon. Assistance.
Gardaí contacted the Team at approximately
23.00 following a report that two Polish walkers were benighted
on Mount Brandon. On contacting the pair by mobile phone it was
established that they were uninjured but insufficiently equipped
to spend the night on the hill. Their exact location was established
and they were advised not to move. Dingle Coast Guard were contacted
(due to their proximity to the Brandon area) and subsequently
located the pair and walked them off to safety.
2nd August 2004. Brandon. Fatality.
Tralee Ambulance Control received a call from a distressed
lady on Brandon saying that a relative had suffered a suspected
Heart Attack close to the summit, and that he didn't appear to
be breathing. KMRT in conjunction with Dingle Coast Guard responded
to the call, and helicopter support was requested. The Waterford
based Irish Coast Guard helicopter was unable to reach the summit
due to low cloud, however it succeeded in airlifting several KMRT
members close to the summit. They were met on the summit by two
Dingle Coast Guard personnel (who had been dispatched as a rapid
response first aid Team) who confirmed that the casualty was deceased.
The casualty was subsequently stretchered down the western side
of the mountain in deteriorating weather, arriving at the foot
of the mountain at approximately 23.00.
7th August 2004. Carrauntoohil. Rescue.
A call was received from a lone climber (via Tralee
Gardaí) stating that he had been caught out in mist between
Carrauntoohil and Caher, had descended into Coomloughra and was
now cragfast in a narrow scree gully. A chance remark about his
surroundings alerted the Team to the fact that he was probably
in Collins' Gully, a considerable distance from where he thought
he was. A full callout was initiated and the man was located uninjured
in the Devil's Ladder area, having made his own way down from
the upper part of Collins' Gully.
13th August 2004. Eisc na Muice. Rescue.
The Team were alerted after an American walker fractured
his femur on the Eisc na Muice section of the Kerry Way in Killarney
National Park. He was treated at the scene before being evacuated
to a Team landrover and subsequently handed over to an ambulance
for transfer to Kerry General Hospital.
13th/14th August 2004. McGillycuddy Reeks. Double
Rescue.
Shortly after returning from the previous callout
a call was received from Gardaí to say that two members
of a party of six (who had been descending into the Black Valley
from the Reeks ridge) had fallen approximately 100 feet and had
sustained serious injuries. A full callout was immediately initiated,
including members from the Team's reserve list. Helicopter assistance
was not possible due to the prevailing weather conditions in the
area at the time, and the Team, accompanied by a small number
of locals, made their way to the area on foot and located the
party in fading light. The two casualties were treated for serious
multiple injuries and an arduous night-time double stretcher
lower was commenced. The use of ropes was essential to safeguard
the safety of casualties and rescuers due to the treacherous underfoot
conditions, considerable exposure, and lack of visibility. The
two casualties were handed over to awaiting ambulances at 02.45
and 04.30 respectively, and the Team was finally stood down at
07.00 after the remaining members of the party were roped to safety.
4th September 2004. Tomies Wood. Rescue.
The Team received a distress call at approximately
22.30 from a group of four Hungarian walkers who had become benighted
in swampy ground close to the Tomies Lakeshore. The Team located
the group and escorted them to safety.
17th September 2004. Tomies. Rescue.
The Team were contacted after a pair of walkers became
benighted in atrocious conditions on the flank of Tomies mountain,
after having earlier become disorientated in the poor weather.
A full callout was launched in near-torrential rain, and a party
of Team members located the pair and walked them off to safety.
26th September 2004. Mangerton. Alert.
Gardaí were contacted after a walker reported
a bicycle locked at the foot of Mangerton after dark. As nobody
had been reported overdue it was decided to standby and monitor
the situation. No further action was required.
8th October 2004. Brandon. Assistance.
The Team received a call from the Irish Coast Guard
saying that a lady had injured her leg on Brandon. The Dingle
Coast Guard Team were also responding but felt that they had insufficient
personnel to complete a stretcher evacuation. As the Team made
their way to Dingle a call was received to say that the Irish
Coast Guard helicopter had carried out a successful evacuation.
8th October 2004. Torc. Rescue.
As the Team were returning from the previous callout
a message was received from Killarney Gardaí following
a report that two walkers were lost in Rhododendrons on the north
face of Torc mountain and that one of them had suffered an ankle
injury. The couple were located and escorted from the mountain.
20th October 2004. Glencar. Fatality (non-mountain).
The Team were called on by Killorglin Gardaí
to carry out a search for a man who had been missing for two days.
The man's body was located in woodland and was evacuated to the
roadside prior to being transferred to an undertaker.
11th November 2004. Brandon. Rescue.
Tralee Gardaí contacted the Team following
a report of a walker in distress on Brandon. It transpired that
the man was benighted after earlier becoming disorientated in
mist. He was located and walked off the mountain.
16th December 2004. Galty Mountains. Alert.
At 3.00am the Team were contacted by the South Eastern
Mountain Rescue Association to request assistance in the search
for a walker missing in the Galty mountains. As a contingent of
Team members made their way towards the Galtys the missing walker
was located safe and well.
24th December 2004. Referral.
An individual contacted the Team looking for someone
to co-ordinate a lowland search for a person who had been missing
in the Abbeyfeale area for several days. It was suggested that
the caller contacted the Civil Defence, as the area in question
was not mountainous and as such was outside the remit of KMRT.
28th December 2004. Devil's
Ladder. Rescue.
The Team were contacted at 14.30 with a report that
a female walker had sustained serious injuries in a fall on the
Devil's Ladder. A full callout was launched and the casualty was
subsequently stretchered from the Devil's Ladder with head and
back injuries and transferred to an ambulance at 19.30.
31st December 2004 - 3rd January 2005. Search/Fatality.
A young Swedish walker failed to make contact with
his family as arranged, after informing them by text that he was
camped on the summit of Mangerton and intending to walk to Corrán Tuathail
the following day. A search of a huge area of mountainous land
commenced on the 31st December and continued for four days, involving
up to 200 ground searchers (comprised of members of nine mountain
rescue teams, five mountaineering clubs, and members of the general
public), eight search dog teams, water rescue teams and diving
groups. In addition to searchers on the ground, a huge area was
searched extensively from the air by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter
whenever flying conditions allowed. Civil Defence, An Garda Siochana
and Killarney National Park staff were also involved in the operation.
After four days of intensive searching involving over 4,500 man-hours,
the formal phase of the search was suspended but further searching
was carried out by Team members and individuals for several more
weekends. On 1st November 2006 a local farmer rounding up sheep
in the Horses Glen discovered human remains which had apparently
been swept down from elsewhere by a mudslide. They were recovered
by KMRT the following day and were subsequently confirmed to be
those of the missing man. See also 2/11/06
