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
3rd January 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Fatality.
During the fourth day of the search which commenced
on 31st December (see above), a report was received by Killarney
Gardaí that, in an unconnected incident, three climbers
had witnessed a fatal fall from the Binn Chaorach ridge. The Team
made their way to the scene and arrived there in fading light.
The man's remains were subsequently removed by stretcher in appalling
weather conditions, arriving down at the valley floor at approximately
8.00pm.
26th March 2005. Cnoc Breasail. Rescue.
Gardaí received a phone call from an English
walker at 19.30 to say that he and his companion were unlikely
to make it down from the mountain before nightfall. At 20.30 he
again phoned to say that the pair were benighted and unable to
make further progress. The Team were mobilised and after a brief
search located the couple close to Lough Callee before assisting
them from the mountain.
27th March 2005. Aghadoe. Referral.
The Team were contacted by Killarney Gardaí
following reports that the car of a despondent person had been
located in the Aghadoe area. As the area was non-mountain the
incident was referred on to the Civil Defence.
18th June 2005. Devil's Ladder. Assistance.
An alert was received at 08.45 stating that a participant
in a four peaks event had fallen on the Devil's Ladder and sustained
facial and head injuries. On contacting people at the scene it
transpired that the man had received some first aid treatment
and was walking from the mountain with assistance from his companions.
The Team mobilised a Landrover to complete the evacuation but
this proved to be unnecessary as the casualty succeeded in reaching
Cronin's Yard unaided.
22nd June 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
The Team were notified at 10.00 after a man undertaking
a solo 'three peaks challenge' of Mangerton, Brandon and Corrán Tuathail
over the previous two days failed to make contact with a friend
after setting off up Corrán Tuathail at 09.00 on 21st. A quick investigation
revealed that the man's car was not present at any of the access
points to the mountain, and further investigations by the Gardaí
established that the man was back at work, having sent a text
message the previous day to notify his friend of his safe return.
The friend did not receive the message.
27th June 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Passers by heard and saw a man cragfast and calling
for assistance on Corrán Tuathail, and the Team were alerted at
15.45. The man was located in a gully below the 'Heavenly Gates'
track, having made a navigational error. The Team roped down to
him and lowered him off to safety.
8th July 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
The Team were alerted at 09.45 after a person reported
seeing flashing lights in the vicinity of the Hag's Teeth. It
was felt that the only light bright enough to be seen in daylight
would be a camera flash but it was unclear whether someone had
made an early start and was simply taking photographs or was using
a camera to attract attention. Two Team members were dispatched
to the location but found nothing unusual and the alert was stood
down.
15th July 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks. Search.
It was reported to the Team that a solo French walker
had failed to return to his accommodation the previous night after
heading into the Reeks. A search was launched and the missing man
was located in the Bridia valley at 14.00, having spent the night on
the mountain after becoming disorientated.
21st July 2005. Hungry Hill. Rescue.
A report was received that a walker had fallen on Hungry
Hill and sustained serious head and leg injuries. The Team made
their way to the area and joined the Coast Guard Team who had
already commenced an evacuation. The casualty was subsequently
transferred to an ambulance before being helicoptered from Castletownbere
to Cork University Hospital, where he underwent surgery for several
fractures.
26th July 2005. Torc. Rescue.
As the Team were assembling for a meeting a call was
received that a Lithuanian walker had broken his ankle on Torc
mountain. The Team immediately made their way to the scene and
stretchered the man from the mountain before transferring him
to an ambulance.
1st August 2005. Cathair con Rí. Assistance.
The Team were contacted after a teenager suffered a
broken arm and head injuries following a fall on Cathair con Rí.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, which was taking part in a public
display on Valentia at the time, was notified by the Team and
made their way to the accident location. As the first contingent
of Team members were nearing the scene the helicopter successfully
evacuated the casualty.
7th August 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
Shortly before 20.00 a report was received that a pair
of walkers, who were known to have been on the summit of Corrán Tuathail
at 15.30, had not yet returned from the mountain. It was decided
to put the Team on standby but delay initiating a full callout
to allow the walkers a little more time to return. The pair turned
up safe and well shortly afterwards.
9th August 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
The Team were alerted at 22.00 after a German tourist had
failed to return after being dropped off at 10.00 near Glenbeigh armed with a
road map, sandals and a plan to walk to Killarney "via the mountains".
With no more detailed information available, a Team member drove several
of the likely roads in the area and the remainder of the Team were put on standby
for a wide-scale search at first light. At 00.30 word was received that
the man had telephoned travelling companions to say that he was safe
and well, and the alert was stood down.
15th August 2005. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A report was received that a dog had been heard barking
persistently in the Curraghmore area. Investigations revealed
that a local dog had gone missing several days previously, and
as nobody had been reported missing no further action was taken.
The dog was subsequently brought down from a ledge by Team members
and locals.
4th September 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
The Team were contacted shortly before 16.00 after
a group of four walkers had become disorientated in mist whilst
descending from Corrán Tuathail and became cragfast on the buttress
between the main and left forks of Collins' Gully. The Team made
their way to the area above where the party were stranded and
lowered a Team member to their location using a 200 metre cable.
The party were subsequently roped from their precarious position
back up to safer ground and walked from the mountain in darkness,
arriving at the valley floor at approximately 23.00.
13th September 2005. Derrycunnihy. Assistance.
The Team were contacted by Tralee Ambulance Control
with a report of a lady suffering from a cardiac condition in
an off-road location in the Queen's Cottage area. The ambulance
crew successfully evacuated the patient as the Team arrived on
the scene.
4th November 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Gardaí contacted the Team following a report from two
walkers saying that they were disorientated on Corrán Tuathail in
mist and were unable to find their way off the mountain. The co-ordinator
contacted the party by mobile phone and was able to ascertain
their likely position and direct them part of the way down the
mountain. Three Team members were mobilised to meet them and escort
them the remainder of the way.
11th November 2005. Tomies. Rescue.
The Team received a call through Killarney Garda Station
that a party of 5 adults and 2 children were lost in the Tomies/Purple
area. Mobile phone contact was made with the party and they were
directed to a forestry path where they were met by Team members.
19th November 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí alerted the Team following
a report that a walker had dislocated his knee on the ridge between
Cathair and Corrán Tuathail, and a full callout was initiated. The
Team requested the assistance of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter
which was able to carry out a successful evacuation of the casualty.
1st December 2005. Corrán Tuathail. Fatality.
The Team were alerted by Killorglin Gardaí at
23.00 on the 30th November with a report that a young English
solo walker was missing after failing to return to his family
earlier in the evening as planned. He was known to have set out
to climb Corrán Tuathail from the Coomloughra side at 11.00 on the
29th and a local man who had seen him set off had also reported
that his car was still at the same location the following day.
A full callout was initiated for first light and the mans remains
were subsequently found in the first level of Cummeenoughter,
after he had apparently fallen from the NE face of Corrán Tuathail.
The body was stretchered from the hill and handed over to awaiting
Gardaí.
20th December 2005. Coomloughra. Assistance.
Killarney Gardaí received a call from walkers
who had been attempting the Coomloughra Horseshoe, had made a
navigational error leaving the summit of Corrán Tuathail and were
now benighted and unsure of their location. The Team Co-ordinator
made phone contact with the party and from their description of
what they had done and their present surroundings it appeared
that they were close to the Lough Acoose road. They were advised
to continue on for a bit longer and the Team were put on standby.
Shortly afterwards the party confirmed that they had safely reached
the road and were returning to their car.
2nd January 2006. Adrigole. Rescue.
At approximately 17.30 a report was received that a
party consisting of an adult and four children all under 10 years
old had been caught out in mist with no map and compass, had ended
up on difficult ground in the Hungry Hill area and had become
benighted in poor weather. A full callout was launched and the
Team made their way to the area, while the local Coast Guard Team
commenced a search. After making phone contact with the group
it was established that they were closer to Adrigole, however
their precise location was unclear and could only be estimated
by attempting to match the vague description of their surroundings
to features on the map. The main search effort of the Team focused
on a coom west of Adrigole and the Team were led to a particular
target area by a local landowner. The party were located in this
area shortly afterwards and were subsequently given dry clothes,
hot drinks and were roped from the mountain in appalling conditions.
An ambulance was called as the children were in the early stages
of hypothermia, and they were transferred at approximately 23.15.
11th January 2006. Keel. Referral.
A call was received from Killorglin Gardaí about
a man who had been missing for two days in the Keel area. As the
call was non-mountain in nature it was referred on to more appropriate
agencies.
29th January 2006. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
A call was received from Killarney Gardaí saying
that 2 Polish nationals had become benighted and disorientated
near the base of Corrán Tuathail. Contact was made by mobile phone
and it was established that the individuals felt that they would
be able to safely find their way down to a house whose lights
they were looking at. They contacted the Team 30 minutes later
to state that they were safe and well.
19th February 2006. Cathair/Binn Chaorach. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí received a call from two walkers
at approximately 16.30 saying that they were lost on Cathair mountain
and in need of assistance. All subsequent efforts to contact the
pair by phone failed. Although the pair were not thought to be
injured, there was some concern about their wellbeing due to the
bitterly cold icy conditions and biting wind on the mountain at
the time. A full night search of Cathair commenced but no trace
of the walkers was found, and the search was extended to adjacent
areas. Shortly after midnight one of the search teams began a
search descent of Brother O'Shea's Gully and located the pair
high up the Cummeenoughter flank of Binn Chaorach. They were subsequently
walked from the mountain, arriving down at 02.00.
25th February 2006. Coomloughra. Alert.
The Team were contacted at 3.00am by Cathairciveen Gardaí
following calls from concerned locals that a hire car had been
left close to the bottom of the hydro track. In the absence of
any further information the Team were put on standby for a full
callout at first light pending further investigations by Gardaí.
A Team member went to the location in the morning and a chance
meeting with another walker revealed that the car had not been
there at 4pm the previous evening, suggesting that the occupants
may well be camping in the area. This was confirmed a short time
later and the callout was stood down.
12th March 2006. Cloon. Rescue.
Gardaí alerted the Team at 19.45 following a call from
a party of nine walkers who had become benighted on steep ground
at the back of Cloon Lake. A full callout was launched and the
party were located at midnight. They were subsequently escorted
from the mountain, arriving down safely at approximately 3.00am.
16th May 2006. Derrycunnihy. Alert.
The Team received a report that a walker had sustained
a suspected broken leg in the Galway's Bridge area. Whilst the
Team were en-route to the location word was received that the
casualty had been assisted to the road and was being transferred
to hospital by car.
3rd June 2006. Hag's Glen. Alert.
Gardaí received a report that a female walker
had sustained a head injury whilst fording the Gaddagh River.
As the Team were en route to the scene, further contact with the
party ascertained that she was now walking towards Cronin's Yard
with the assistance of her companions, and the Team's assistance
would not now be required.
7th August 2006. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
A young walker stumbled whilst descending from the
summit of Corrán Tuathail, sustaining facial and shoulder injuries.
The casualty was able to make his own way from the mountain assisted
by Team members, and was subsequently driven to Kerry General
Hospital where he was admitted overnight for observation.
8th August 2006. Cathair con Rí. Alert.
The Team were alerted following a report of shouts
for help on the southern side of Cathair con Rí. The callout was
stood down after it was established that the shouts were not a
request for assistance and were thought to be an attempt to listen
to an echo.
31st August 2006. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
A call was received from two walkers who were disorientated
in mist on Corrán Tuathail. On contacting the pair by phone it was
possible to talk them down to the Devil's Ladder, and no further
action was required.
9th September 2006. Bridia Valley. Alert.
Gardaí were contacted when two people went missing
in the Bridia valley. A further message was received shortly afterwards
to say that the pair had turned up safe and well.
13th September 2006. Glaisín na Marbh. Alert.
Gardaí received a report concerning a tent which
had been apparently abandoned for several weeks. The tent was
subsequently recovered and delivered to the Gardaí. The
nature of the tent contents and the fact that nobody had been
reported missing led to the view that no further action was required.
1st October 2006. Gap of Dunloe. Alert.
A report was received that a person had been heard
calling for help after encountering difficulties on the Eastern
side of the Gap. A local person subsequently went to his assistance
and helped him from the mountain therefore no further action from
the Team was required.
21st October 2006. Mangerton. Alert.
The Team was contacted by Tralee Gardaí following
a report that one member of a party of two was suffering from
exhaustion on the summit of Mangerton. By the time phone contact
was made with the pair the exhausted person had improved and was
able to descend unaided. The Team kept in phone contact until
the party had safely arrived at the foot of the mountain.
30th October 2006. Torc. Rescue.
A family group found themselves in difficulty and benighted
on the flank of Torc mountain and called for assistance. The Team
subsequently located the party (aided by camera flashes from them)
and walked them off to safety.
2nd November 2006. Mangerton. Body Recovery.
A local sheep farmer discovered old human remains beneath
a cliff in an isolated part of the Horses Glen. The remains had
apparently been swept down from elsewhere by a mudslide, and the
man who found them was certain that they had not been at that
location in August 2006. They were subsequently removed by members
of KMRT in conjunction with Gardaí and locals before being
transported to Kerry General Hospital for analysis. The remains
were later confirmed to be those of a Swedish walker who went
missing in the area in late 2004.
5th November 2006. Mangerton. Rescue.
The Team received a call through Ambulance Control
in Tralee that a female walker had sustained a broken leg on Mangerton.
On arriving at the location first aid was administered by the
Team before she was stretchered from the hill and transferred
to Kerry General Hospital by ambulance.
12th November 2006. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
The Team were alerted at 18.30 after a walker who had
parted from his companion on the summit of Corrán Tuathail earlier
in the day had failed to arrive at the foot of the mountain as
arranged. As the Team were preparing to mobilise word was received
that the man had turned up safe and well after having apparently
made a major navigational error.
3rd December 2006. Gougane Barra. Search.
Macroom Gardaí contacted the Team at 3.00am after a
solo walker failed to return to his car in Gougane Barra. An initial
search of the Gougane Barra horseshoe commenced at first light,
and was being extended to outlying areas when word was received
that the man had turned up safe and well in Kilgarvan after spending
the night on the mountain in appalling weather. He had apparently
attended mass in Kilgarvan before contacting his family to let
them know he was safe. The Team was stood down at approximately
midday.
28th December 2006. Tomies Wood. Rescue.
A call was received saying that a party of two adults
and four children had become disorientated in darkness and heavy
rain in the Tomies Wood area. Following a mobile phone conversation
during which their position was established, a Team landrover
was dispatched to bring them to safety.
4th March 2007. Eagle's Nest. Rescue/Referral.
The Team received a report that two walkers had set
out from Tomies Wood and were unable to find their way to the
Old Weir Bridge. Contact was made by mobile phone and it was established
that the easiest access to their location was by boat. The Killarney
National Park Rangers were contacted and subsequently ferried
the party across the Long Range River and back to the main road.
11th March 2007. Derriana Lough. Alert.
The Team received a report from a hill walking party
stating that one of their group was suffering from near-exhaustion and
that a callout may be required if the situation deteriorated further.
The Team were put on standby and close contact was maintained with
the group until the individual was safely off the hill.
7th April 2007. Mullaghanish. Alert.
The Team were alerted after a female had gone missing
during a short solo walk. As a preliminary party were preparing
to mobilise, the lady turned up safe and well.
2nd June 2007. Mhacha na Bó. Fatality.
A report was received from Tralee Gardaí that
a walker had become separated from a group while walking from
Mhacha na Bó to Lough Anascaul. The Team had just commenced
a search when word was received that his companions had located
the body of the casualty in the Mhacha na Bó river. It
appears that he may have slipped and fallen into the swollen river
some distance upstream of where the remains were located. The
Team subsequently recovered the remains.
9th June 2007. Mangerton. Alert.
The Team received a call that a female walker was missing
on Mangerton. She turned up safe and well in Kilgarvan before
the Team was mobilised.
9th June 2007. Lauragh. Assistance.
The Team received a call via Killarney Gardaí
stating that a walker had fallen and sustained head and back injuries
in the vicinity of the 'Pocket'. The Team contacted the Coast
Guard and requested the assistance of the rescue helicopter. Castletownbere
Coast Guard Rescue Team also responded. As the Team arrived on
the scene the helicopter had commenced operations and was successful
in winching the casualty on board. He was then flown to Kerry
General Hospital.
6th July 2007. Hungry Hill. Referral.
Bantry Gardaí contacted the Team following a
report from a German walker that he had become cragfast 100m below
the summit of Hungry Hill. The Team contacted Castletownbere Coast
Guard Rescue Team, and following discussions it was decided that
they would respond to the call because of their geographical proximity
to the location, while KMRT remained on standby until it was confirmed
that the walker had been successfully assisted from the mountain.
10th July 2007. Brandon. Alert.
A report was received from Valentia Coast Guard that
an elderly man had fallen high on Brandon and was injured. The
Team was put on standby as weather conditions were good and the
Coast Guard helicopter was in the vicinity. The Team was stood
down when it was confirmed that the helicopter had successfully
evacuated the casualty.
7th-8th August 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí informed the Team that an 82
year old female and a 16 year old male walker were overdue following
an ascent of Corrán Tuathail. The Team were mobilised and the pair
were located after a brief search and escorted from the mountain.
8th August 2007. Conor Pass. Assistance.
The Team were contacted following a report that a man
had become cragfast high above Peddlers Lake. Dingle Coast Guard
Rescue Team had attempted to reach the man but had experienced
difficulties and the Coast Guard helicopter was also unable to
carry out a rescue. The Team made its way to the scene and discovered
that the Dingle Coast Guard Team had now reached the man and were
in the process of winching him from the Cliff. KMRT stood by at
the scene until the rescue was successfully completed.
15th August 2007. Barley Lake. Alert.
The Team were notified that a ten year old boy had
become separated from his family in the Barley Lake area. As the
Team were making their way to the area the boy turned up safe
and well.
15th August 2007. Barley Lake. Alert.
Following on from the previous callout, later in the
evening the Team were notified that some family members who had
been searching for the boy had also not yet returned from the
mountain. The Team stood by for some time until it was confirmed
that everybody involved had safely descended.
21st August 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
The Team were mobilised following two separate reports
of cries for help on Corrán Tuathail. On arriving at the scene it
was ascertained that a local farmer had been rounding up sheep
in the area and in addition a particularly vocal goat was present
in the location referred to by callers. As no further cries for
help were heard the callout was stood down.
23rd August 2007. Mangerton. Rescue.
A report was received that a walker had sustained a
broken ankle after a simple slip close to the Devil's Punch Bowl.
The man was treated and stretchered down the mountain to a point
below the cloud base from where he was evacuated to Kerry General
Hospital by Coast Guard Helicopter. He subsequently underwent surgery
on his badly broken ankle.
23rd August 2007. Mangerton. Alert.
The Team was contacted at 22.30 with a report that
a party was overdue on an ascent of Mangerton. Before the Team
was fully mobilised the people in question turned up safe and
well.
27th August 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
Gardaí contacted the Team with a report that
a 999 operator had received a call from a walker who may have
been in distress but that the caller had been cut off and could
not be re-contacted. After several attempts contact was made with
the man who was safe and well but overdue, and was afraid that
his family waiting at the foot of the mountain may have called
out the Team unnecessarily.
31st August 2007. Purple Mountain. Rescue.
A report was received that a man had sustained an ankle
injury on the southern flank of Purple Mountain and was unable
to walk. The Team mobilised and were able to locate the casualty
using compass bearings that the party had followed. Following
first aid treatment the man was evacuated by Coast Guard helicopter
to Kerry General Hospital.
2nd September 2007. McGillycuddy Reeks. Rescue.
The Team was informed by Killarney Gardaí that
a party of three was in difficulty in thick fog on the Eastern
Reeks. After a night search the party were located close to Cnoc
na Péista and were assisted from the mountain.
5th September 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
A report was received via Killarney Gardaí that
a walker had suffered a suspected heart attack close to Cummeenoughter
lake. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter was called but was unable
to gain direct access to the casualty due to his enclosed location.
It did however airlift Team members part of the way up the mountain
from where they made their way to the scene, administered first
aid and commenced a roped stretcher lower to the 'first level'
from where the casualty was winched into the helicopter for rapid
transport to hospital.
8th September 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
Late in the evening the Team were made aware that a
car had been left close to Lisleibane. As nobody had been reported
overdue and there was no further information available it was
decided to standby and monitor the situation. It was later discovered
that the car was no longer there and the alert was stood down.
11th-12th September 2007. Hag's Glen. Rescue.
Shortly before midnight a report was received that
a party of 16 were long overdue after setting out to climb Corrán Tuathail
at 10.30am. Phone contact was made with the group and it was established
that they were slowly descending from Cnoc Broinne into the Hag's
Glen after having been severely delayed earlier in the day. Although
they were not at immediate risk it was deemed prudent to dispatch
a small number of Team members to meet up with the party and ensure
that they made it down from the hill safely. The Team members
met up with the party and escorted them from the hill, arriving
into the Hag's Glen at approximately 5.00am.
22nd September 2007. Camp. Referral.
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted the Team for advice
following a call from a man whose companion had become unwell
3 hours after setting off from Blennerville on the Dingle Way.
As this part of the Dingle Way is quite close to the surfaced
road it was suggested that the Dingle Coast Guard Team would provide
the swiftest response due to their geographical proximity to the
incident. No further action from KMRT was required.
30th September 2007. Gap of Dunloe. Alert.
A member of the public reported that he had seen a
flare near the Head of the Gap and had heard whistles from a different
location in the Gap. As nobody had been reported overdue a limited
response was initiated to check for parked cars and further signs
of distress. It was subsequently deemed that no further action
was required. The whistles were thought to be from rutting sika
stags but the report of a flare remains unexplained.
5th October 2007. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
Two walkers raised the alarm after encountering difficulties
and becoming disorientated on the Reeks ridge. The Team mobilised
and were assembling in the Black Valley when the walkers turned
up in a car driven by a local person after they had made their
own way down from the ridge and knocked on the door of a house.
7th/8th October 2007. Curraghmore. Double Rescue.
A report was received at 7.30pm that two climbers had
fallen after becoming disorientated in mist on the descent from
Corrán Tuathail. The initial report suggested that they may have
been in the Coimín na Péasta area however this was
discounted after speaking with them by mobile phone, and they
were subsequently located high above Curraghmore Lake. Both were
suffering from multiple injuries after falling about 25 feet and
a major callout was launched which included the Team's reserve
list. In all about 50 members and reserves mobilised and following
a complex stretcher evacuation through the night they were transferred
to ambulances at 4am and 5am respectively for transport to Kerry
General Hospital. The pair were extremely fortunate not to have
sustained a much longer and possibly fatal fall.
29th December 2007. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Two walkers became seriously disorientated on descending
from the summit, eventually becoming benighted and cragfast close
to the 'Step' route from where they raised the alarm. It was initially
unclear exactly where the pair had ended up, as they had originally
intended descending via the Devil's Ladder and after getting lost
had subsequently tried to find their way to the 'Heavenly Gates'
track. Team members surrounded the north and east faces of the
mountain and following a process of elimination during several
periods of shouting, the position of the pair was pinpointed.
Team members climbed to the location and roped the pair back to
the summit, from where they were escorted out, reaching the valley
floor shortly after midnight.
11th January 2008. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A local person expressed concern about a car that had
been parked at one of the access points to the Reeks for several
days. Subsequent investigations revealed that the car belonged
to visitors who were staying locally and no further action was
required.
27th January 2008. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
The Team were alerted after a female walker sustained
a head injury following a fall in the vicinity of the 'Heavenly
Gates'. She subsequently recovered somewhat and was able to walk
to the valley floor with the assistance of Team members and companions,
from where she was transported by Landrover to the roadhead.
1st February 2008. Foley's Glen. Fatality (non-mountain).
The Team were contacted after the car of a despondent male had been located in Foley's Glen.
A search was organised for first light, and the man's body was located shortly after the search commenced.
The remains were subsequently brought to the road.
10th February 2008. Bantry. Referral.
A report was received that a quad-biker had sustained
an injury in the Bantry area. As the incident location was at
low altitude and was geographically closer to Castletownbere Coast
Guard Rescue Team, the incident was referred on to them.
15th March 2008. Corrán Tuathail. Search.
Gardaí contacted the Team at 21.30 after receiving
a report that a despondent male had telephoned his family to say
that he had taken an overdose and gone for a walk up the mountain.
He had now decided to return to his car but had become benighted
and was struggling to find his way down. An advance party of the
Team began to trace the man's likely route but soon afterwards
it was reported that the man had managed to find his way to Cronin's
Yard. The callout was stood down.
22nd March 2008. Wicklow. Search (Fatality).
A contingent of KMRT members travelled to Co. Wicklow
to assist Dublin-Wicklow MRT and Glen of Imaal MRT in a large
scale search for a missing walker. KMRT were tasked with searching
the northern part of Mullacleavaun mountain. The remains of the
elderly walker were located on Black Hill in an area being searched
by Sligo-Leitrim MRT.
25th March 2008. Tomies/Shehy. Rescue.
The Team were contacted after a pair of American walkers
became benighted in Rhododendron in the Tomies/Shehy area. They
were subsequently located with the use of camera flashes and were
walked from the mountain.
5th May 2008. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
Gardaí contacted the Team following reports
of a solo walker overdue from an ascent of Corrán Tuathail. As
the Team Co-ordinator was discussing the situation with Gardaí
they received a further report that he had turned up safe and
well.
1st June 2008. Old Kenmare Road. Alert.
The Team received a call that a mountain biker had
fallen on the Old Kenmare Road about 3km from the car park and
had sustained a shoulder injury. While the team was mobilising
the group contacted us to say that he was able to walk back to
the Torc car park where an ambulance was dispatched to meet him.
1st-2nd June 2008. Hag's Glen. Rescue.
Tralee Gardaí contacted the team just before
midnight to report that 3 walkers had been overtaken by darkness
and fog on their descent from Corrán Tuathail. On contacting the
group it was established that they were most likely in the Hag’s
Glen area. A party was despatched and succeeded in locating the
group with the aid of camera flashes.
9th June 2008. Hungry Hill. Assistance.
The Team were contacted by Valentia Coast Guard following
reports that a female walker had sustained a broken leg on Hungry
Hill. Castletownbere CCR were responding to the call but felt
that they would need assistance from KMRT. As the Team arrived
at Hungry Hill word was received that the casualty had just been
successfully evacuated by Castletownbere.
29th June 2008. Brandon. Referral.
The Team received a call from Tralee Gardaí
saying that a 68 year old man has sustained a laceration to his
head following a stumble high on Mount Brandon, although the individual
was still able to walk. The Team contacted the Dingle Coast Guard
who sent some people to assist the man off the hill.
26th July 2008. Mangerton. Alert.
A call was received from a solo walker who had become
disorientated in the Stoompa area. The Team co-ordinator attempted
to 'talk him down' by giving descent directions over the telephone,
however despite the fact that visibility was good and he was following
a compass bearing over relatively easy ground he continued to
encounter difficulties. When he claimed to be nearing exhaustion
and requested a helicopter evacuation a full callout was initiated,
however as the Team were assembling word was received that the
man was now making better progress and further assistance would
not be required.
4th August 2008. Brandon. Search (Fatality).
A contingent of Team members responded to a request
for assistance from Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team in the search
for an elderly man who had gone missing in the Brandon area. The
man's remains were subsequently located by another search team
on 5/8/08.
5th August 2008. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
At 1.00am a call was received that a party of 5 teenagers
and a middle aged man were in difficulties on the Devil's Ladder
in poor weather. A full callout was immediately initiated and
subsequent investigations revealed that the party were actually
in the Coomloughra area and not on the Devil's Ladder as they
believed. The Team reached the party and became concerned about
the welfare of the older man who was suffering from severe exhaustion
and hypothermia. He was subsequently stretchered from the mountain
and transferred to an awaiting Coast Guard Helicopter for a flight
to Kerry General Hospital while the remainder of the party were
walked from the mountain, arriving down at approximately 8.30am.
10th August 2008. Short Mountain. Alert.
A report was received that a solo walker was overdue
in the Short Mountain area. .As the situation was being discussed
with the man's family he turned up safe and well.
28th August 2008. Gap of Dunloe. Alert.
The alarm was raised after a female became separated
from her family in the Gap of Dunloe and could not be found. A
callout was launched but shortly afterwards it was established
that the girl was safe and well.
30th August 2008. Cummeen na Peasta. Rescue.
At 16.00 a report was received that a female German
solo climber had fallen from the Cummeen na Peasta ridge, close
to the 'Big Gun'. On contacting the girl it was established that
she had fallen approximately 25 metres and had sustained multiple
injuries including a severe knee injury and was unable to walk.
A full callout was immediately launched and the Irish Coast Guard
rescue helicopter was requested to assist. In very trying conditions
they succeeded in airlifting six team members close to the casualty
site, thereby saving valuable time, however deteriorating conditions
meant that the helicopter was unable to play a further role. The
climber was subsequently treated by the team and stretcher lowered
from the mountain in a difficult operation. She was eventually
transferred to an ambulance at 1.00am for the journey to hospital.
27th September 2008. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
The team was contacted by Tralee Gardaí after
3 members of the Glen of Imaal MRT had come across an injured
walker on Corrán Tuathail. A full callout was initiated and the
Shannon Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist.
The person had fallen on one of the rocky steps below the 'first
level' and had sustained head and suspected spinal injuries. KMRT
members arrived at the casualty site as the helicopter arrived
on scene. With assistance from the Glen of Imaal MRT members,
the casualty was loaded onto a stretcher which was winched into
the helicopter. He was subsequently transferred to Cork University
Hospital for treatment.
1st/2nd November 2008. Coomloughra. Alert.
Local people notified Gardaí late on 1st November
after a car had been left at the bottom of the Hydro track. A
small contingent of Team members drove up the hydro track as it
was felt that the owners of the car may be camping in Coomloughra
but noted nothing unusual and heard no replies to their shouts.
A full scale search was organised for the morning of 2nd, but
just as the team were about to commence the search two men arrived
in a second car and said that they were there to collect the original
one. The callout was stood down.
2nd November 2008. Alert.
Shortly after the last alert was stood down the team
was contacted by Tralee Gardaí to report that a parent
had become concerned that a daughter, on an outdoor adventure
weekend, had failed to call home as arranged. Contact was made
with a local course provider and it was established that the person
was with her group and was safe and well.
5th November 2008. Hag's Glen. Alert.
Gardai contacted the team following a report that walkers
in the Hag’s Glen area had heard shouts for help. On contacting
the group it was established that they were travelling in the
direction of the shouts and would report if anything further was
heard. Contact was again made with the group some time later and
they reported that they had not heard anything further and now
believed that what they heard may have been a bird. As conditions
were calm and clear and nobody was reported overdue it was decided
that no further action was required.
21st November 2008. McGillycuddy
Reeks. Rescue.
Gardaí were contacted by a hotel saying that
a guest had been night walking alone on the Reeks ridge. He had
left an accurate route card and had been making regular check-in
phone calls with the hotel as arranged, however these had ceased
after a final call from Cnoc na Peiste at approximately 5.00am.
The Team mobilised for a search and finally located the man several
hours later on the summit of Cruach Mhór. It is not known
what the man had been doing in the intervening time, but it is
noteworthy that the Team had been called out to search for the
same individual in a remarkably similar incident on 5th
June 2003.
30th November 2008. Gougane Barra. Assistance.
The Team was alerted by Macroom Gardaí after
two people had reported that they were lost in the Gougane Barra
area. The Team subsequently made contact with the couple who said
that they had now ascertained their position. The Team remained
in regular contact until the pair confirmed that they were safely
off the hill.
7th December 2008. Eastern Reeks. Alert.
At 06.45am a lone walker raised the alarm after becoming
lost and disorientated following an incident during which he believed
his tent had blown away. A short time later he contacted the Team
to say that he had relocated his tent and did not now require
assistance.
1st February 2009. Hag's Glen. Search.
Gardaí were alerted after concerned local people
noted that a German-registered car had been left overnight at
Lisleibane. A limited team response was launched and the owners
of the car were located at the 'first level' where they had been
camping.
9th February 2009. Lugnaquilla. Assistance.
A contingent of Team members travelled to Wicklow to
assist Dublin-Wicklow MRT and Glen of Imaal MRT in the search
for and subsequent rescue of two climbers stranded on Lugnaquilla
overnight.
15th February 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
A report was received that a climber was in difficulty
in Central Gully, however prior to full mobilisation of the Team
a subsequent report was received stating that she was no longer
in need of assistance.
22nd February 2009. Glenteenassig. Alert.
The Team received a report from a hillwalking party
who were concerned that one of the group was suffering from near
exhaustion. It was established that they were close to a roadway
and contact was maintained with them until the point at which
the person was transferred to an ambulance.
27th/28th February 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Fatality.
A preliminary search was commenced on the evening of
27th following reports that a solo climber had failed to meet
up with friends as arranged. This phase of the search was suspended
at midnight and a more comprehensive search involving the Irish
Coast Guard helicopter and members of local clubs was organised
for first light. At approximately 10.00am the man's remains were
located in the second level by the Coast Guard helicopter, having
apparently sustained a fatal fall from the Hag's Tooth Ridge area.
The remains were subsequently lowered to the first level from
where they were airlifted to Kerry General Hospital.
6th March 2009. Short Mountain. Alert.
The Team were contacted by Tralee Gardaí following
reports of two flares being sighted in the Short Mountain area.
After further investigations by Gardaí the alert was stood
down.
14th March 2009. Doonsheane. Referral.
The Team were alerted following a report that a climber
had been injured after being swept off her belay stance into the
sea by a large wave. The call was passed on to the Dingle Coast
Guard Rescue Team due to their geographic proximity to the incident
and the fact that water-based personnel may also have been required.
14th March 2009. Devil's Ladder. Alert.
A passer-by contacted the Team after encountering a
walker who had slipped on descending the Devil's Ladder and dislocated
his shoulder. The injured person indicated that he would continue
to descend with the aid of his companion however the caller was
concerned that progress was very slow. The Team decided to monitor
the situation closely prior to deciding whether to launch a full
callout, however shortly after this the Team was notified of a
further incident on Corrán Tuathail (see below). As the Team made
their way into the Hag's Glen for the new incident, the injured
walker was met walking out. Although he was in considerable discomfort
he indicated that he was happy to continue walking out with his
companion.
14th March 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
A party of three female walkers became cragfast in
a very exposed location below the Heavenly Gates track after having
apparently failed to locate the track on their descent from the
summit. In a difficult operation on treacherous ground and in
failing light, a small KMRT party succeeded in climbing up to
the walkers and roping them up to the Heavenly Gates track, where
they were met by further Team members for the descent down the
track to the valley floor.
4th April 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
In a callout remarkably similar to the previous one
a party of five made a navigational error on the descent from
Corrán Tuathail late in the day and became cragfast below the
Heavenly Gates track, close to Luigi's Gully. The party were located
with the aid of camera flashes and team members then abseiled
to the ledge on which the group were perched and proceeded to
evacuate the climbers with the aid of jumars. The party finally
reached the valley floor in approaching daylight.
7th April 2009. Kerry Way. Alert.
The Team were contacted by a party walking the Kerry
Way between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen after one of the group had
become separated from the rest. The missing person subsequently
turned up safe and well prior to full mobilisation of the Team.
10th April 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team following
a report of a female walker suffering a debilitating medical condition
(severe headaches and vomiting) at Cummeenoughter lake. The Irish
Coast Guard rescue helicopter was requested to assist and in an
impressive piece of flying succeeded in airlifting a medical and
stretcher party into the second level, from where they made their
way to the casualty location. Following first aid treatment the
casualty was lowered by stretcher down to the second level from
where the Coast Guard helicopter was able to winch her out and
complete the evacuation to hospital in Tralee.
10th April 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
Two Team members making their way up to the location
of the previous callout encountered an elderly solo walker who
was severely shaken and had sustained injuries following a fall
from one of the rock steps below the first level. He was escorted
safely to the valley floor before the team members continued on
towards the second level.
12th May 2009. Killarney National Park. Alert.
The Team was contacted by Gardaí following a
report that a French walker had not returned from a walk in Killarney
National Park. The man was located by Gardaí prior to full
mobilisation of the Team.
28th May 2009. Dinis. Referral.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team with a report
of a party in difficulties between Tomies Wood and Dinis Cottage.
When contact was made with the group it was established that they
were trapped on the lakeshore in the Glena area. The call was
passed to the Killarney Water Rescue group who successfully located
the party and evacuated them by boat.
25th June 2009. Inisfallen. Referral.
Tralee Ambulance Control contacted the Team with a
report of a man who had suffered a broken leg on Inisfallen Island.
The call was passed on to Killarney Water Rescue and the Team
stood by to offer assistance should it be required.
7th July 2009. The Paps. Assistance.
The Team was contacted by Kanturk Gardaí with
a report that an adult and two children were disorientated in
thick mist on one of the Paps and were unsure of their descent
route. Contact was made with the party and it was established
that they had subsequently commenced a descent after the mist
had lifted slightly. Regular phone contact was maintained until
the party were safely off the hill.
20th July 2009. Coomloughra. Rescue.
A party of two walkers became cragfast on steep ground
at the back of Coomloughra, after they had erroneously tried to
descend directly into Coomloughra from the col between Cathair
and Corrán Tuathail. Team members were able to climb to their
location and assist them from the mountain with the aid of ropes.
2nd August 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
The Team were contacted after a large party were unable
to find their way down from the summit in poor weather and several
party members began to display signs of hypothermia. On returning
to the summit the group met an experienced walker who assisted
them part of the way down the mountain until they were met by
Team members who escorted them the remainder of the way.
9th August 2009. Lauragh. Alert.
Gardaí contacted the team following a report
of a female who had sustained an ankle fracture in the Lauragh
area. As the Team was mobilising she was successfully evacuated
by quad bike.
28th August 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Killarney Gardaí contacted the Team at approximately
22.00 following a report that a party was in difficulty on Corrán
Tuathail. On contacting the group it was established that one
of them was suffering from a lower leg injury and that they were
unsure of their exact position, although an approximate location
was established. On reaching the scene a compound fracture of
the lower leg was treated and the injured person was stretchered
from the mountain, before being transferred to an ambulance at
approximately 4.00am. The remaining three persons were walked
from the mountain.
30th August 2009. Ardgroom. Assistance.
The Team were contacted with a report that a walker
had sustained multiple injuries following a serious fall near
Ardgroom. Castletownbere Coast Guard Unit were also tasked to
respond, and as the Team arrived on the scene Castletownbere were
transferring the casualty to an ambulance. The casualty was subsequently
airlifted to hospital in Limerick.
31st August 2009. Brandon. Referral.
Tralee Gardaí contacted the Team with a report
of two German walkers in difficulty on steep ground on Mount Brandon.
Dingle Coast Guard Unit were contacted, and in conjunction with
the Shannon Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter they succeeded in evacuating
the walkers.
13th September 2009. Brandon. Rescue.
A Team member walking on Brandon was called on to assist
a walker who had sustained minor injuries following a brief blackout.
The casualty was subsequently short-roped safely to the base of
the mountain.
13th September 2009. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A report was received just before 20.00 that a Czech
walker had failed to return to his car having gone climbing in
the Reeks the previous day. An advance party went to investigate
and shortly after arriving on scene the missing person turned
up safe and well.
24th September 2009. Torc. Rescue.
The Team were contacted with a report that a couple
who had strayed from the path on the North face of Torc were unable
to find their way down. The couple were able to give a grid reference
and several Team members made their way to the location and walked
the couple off to safety.
25th September 2009. McGillycuddy Reeks. Alert.
A hotel raised the alarm shortly after midnight following
a report that one of their guests was in difficulty on the Reeks.
Prior to full mobilisation of the Team the man contacted Gardaí
to say that he was no longer in need of assistance. It was subsequently
established that the same individual has been the subject of two
prior rescues, on 21st November 2008 and
5th June 2003.
30th September 2009. Bealagh Oisín. Rescue.
Gardaí contacted the Team after a young local
solo walker reported that he was exhausted, unwell and unable
to continue in the Coombaha area. The Shannon-based Irish Coast
Guard helicopter was requested to assist and arrived at the scene
simultaneously with the main contingent of Team members. The precise
location of the young man was unclear, however by maintaining
phone contact with him it was possible to guide the helicopter
to his location. He was subsequently winched to the helicopter
in fading light and transferred to an ambulance at Kerry Airport.
4th October 2009. Eskduff. Rescue.
The Team were mobilised following an incident on Eskduff
in which a local climber suffered a substantial fall, sustaining
a serious head injury. The Shannon Coast Guard helicopter was
also mobilised, and succeeded in airlifting the casualty following
first aid treatment from Team members at the scene. The casualty
was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at Kerry
General Hospital.
25th October 2009. Annascaul. Assistance.
The Team were alerted by a local mountaineering club
after one of their members developed a medical condition in the
Annascaul area. The Team were mobilised and requested assistance
from the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter. As the first Team members
were approaching the scene the helicopter succeeded in airlifting
the casualty to Kerry General Hospital.
28th October 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
The alarm was raised shortly after 20.00, after a solo
walker who had last been seen high on the mountain at 15.30 had
failed to return. An advance party was tasked with carrying out
a preliminary search whilst the rest of the Team were put on standby.
A full callout was subsequently launched at 21.00 however shortly
after this the advance party located the man making his way out
of the Hag's Glen in deteriorating weather.
10th November 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
The Team were contacted by Gardaí after a couple
reported that they had become disorientated on descent from the
mountain and were in need of help. On contacting the pair by phone
it was established that they were not in Cummeenoughter as they
believed, but instead were in Coomloughra. They were directed
towards the Hydro track and the Team stood by until it was confirmed
that the pair were safely down to the public road.
23rd November 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
Gardaí contacted the Team at 17.30 following
a report that two walkers, who had left to climb Corrán
Tuathail at 9.00am, were overdue and could not be contacted by
phone. As the Team were preparing to respond a further report
was received that the pair had turned up safe and well.
23rd December 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
The Team was alerted by a concerned walker that two
people he had met earlier in the day had not returned to Lisleibane.
Locals confirmed that a vehicle was still in the car park at 8.00pm.
From the description given the Team correctly identified the people
involved and was able to establish that all was well.
25th December 2009. Clonkeen. Assistance.
Late in the evening the Team were requested by Killarney
Gardaí to come to the assistance of a family who had become
stranded on a treacharously icy section of the Cork road after
their vehicle could move no further. A Team member successfully
evacuated the family using a Team Landrover.
29th December 2009. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
The Team received a report from Tralee Gardaí
that two people had become disorientated on their descent from
the summit in near white-out conditions. Phone contact was made
with the pair and from their description, aided by a brief clearance,
their location was established. They were then able to make their
way safely off the mountain and the Team was stood down.
3rd January 2010. Corrán Tuathail. Assistance.
Late in the day three Team members came across several
poorly equipped walkers who were in difficulty attempting to descend
the top of the Devil's Ladder in icy conditions. They were subsequently
roped down to safer ground (note: this was one of a number of
similar incidents dealt with by Team members over the holiday
period).
6th January 2010. Kilcummin. Alert.
Killarney Gardaí requested that the Team come
to the assistance of a motorist who's vehicle had left the road
in icy conditions. Prior to mobilisation of the Team word was
received that assistance was no longer required.
9th January 2010. Corrán Tuathail. Rescue.
Gardaí contacted the Team after four climbers
from two separate parties reported themselves in difficulty at
the top of the Devil's Ladder in icy conditions. Neither party
had ice axes or crampons and had apparently walked past notices
advising climbers of the essential nature of this equipment in
the prevailing conditions. One of the climbers had luckily avoided
injury on a long slide on the descent from the summit. The Team
climbed to the location in darkness and roped the climbers to
safety.
10th January 2010. Corrán Tuathail. Alert.
Killarney Gardaí were contacted by a concerned
relative at approximately 19.00 after a family member, who was
attending an outdoor course, had failed to make contact as arranged.
The Team contacted the course provider and established that all
was well..
