RAF personnel and mountain rescuers save walkers from Lake District fell
Keswick Mountain Rescue has thanked RAF personnel for their support in assisting two walkers during their first callout of 2023 – less than an hour into the new year.
Described as "well-equipped and experienced women", they attempted to scale the Lake District's Great Gable – almost 3,000ft high – when one of them slipped and broke her ankle.
The Keswick team says it happened as they decided to turn back due to "strong winds blowing, persistent rain, sleet, hail and snow".
An RAF spokesperson said: "In the early hours of New Year's Day, 13 RAF personnel who were training nearby, were asked to assist Keswick Mountain Rescue Team responding to an incident on Great Gable.
"Our personnel responded quickly and professionally to assist the Keswick team where there was a potential threat to life, providing valuable experience in the skills they require and contributing to a successful rescue of the casualty."
The primary role of the RAF's Mountain Rescue teams is to provide a high-readiness, aircraft post-crash management search and rescue service, but they do occasionally support civilian rescue teams.
The 13 RAF personnel joined the Keswick rescuers in the approximately five-hour-long rescue.
Members of RAF Valley, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leeming were staying in Keswick, stationed on a training course near Great Gable.
In a post on Facebook, the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team said: "Happy New Year!
"In what must be some kind of record, our first callout for 2023 occurred just 44 minutes into the new year."
It added: "We owe a huge debt of thanks to the RAF MR team members who came out and helped with the callout.
"What a memorable start to the new year."
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