Two people were brought to safety after a search and rescue mission in Donegal’s Poisoned Glen this week.
The alarm was raised on Tuesday after two hikers from Galway failed to return to their agreed meeting point before nightfall.
Donegal Mountain Rescue Team was tasked to the area to bring them to safety. The successful mission has prompted the team to warn hikers about the importance of telling others about plans and routes in advance.
On Tuesday this week, the voluntary rescue team were tasked at 8.42pm by An Garda Síochána Galway to respond to two walkers who were overdue on their return from the hills.
The walkers had set off from Glenveagh, travelling to the Old Church at Dunlewy and were late arriving at their pre-arranged pickup point.
When the person collecting them realised they were not back by the time they had intended, they called 999 to report the late walkers.
An Garda Siochana Galway tasked DMRT, who set in motion a full team callout due to the deteriorating weather over the mountains and a severe drop in temperature in their last known location. Using Sarcall (a system used to locate a person’s phone) and with phone coverage, the team was able to locate the two walkers. DMRT requested the Coast Guard helicopter and Rescue 118 was placed on standby. The team were able to follow the walkers progress as they made their way toward the valley floor. While this was on going, DMRT sent a hasty team along the valley floor to meet the two walkers. As the two walkers entered the Poison Glen Valley, they were able to make visual contact using the torch on their mobile phone and were able to direct the hasty team to meet them. A while later, the two walkers were reunited with the person picking them up.
The incident was shared by the DMRT as a good example of when to seek emergency help on the hills.
A spokesperson said: “It was an excellent decision on behalf of the person collecting the walkers to call emergency services, staying on location until we arrived and supplying the information we needed. A great outcome and relief for a safe return.”
The team also thanked the walkers for making a kind donation following the rescue.
“This is an excellent example of how important it is to always leave a plan with someone of where you are going. As we move in to the middle of the summer, it is getting darker earlier and colder, so a good torch and extra clothing is important. Don’t be afraid to make a call to the emergency services if you find yourself in difficulty. The sooner we know, the easier it is for us to help you. Leave earlier rather than later and cut your walk short if you are getting tired or if it is taking longer than you originally planned. Thank you once again to Rescue 118 and Coast Guard Malin Head.”
You can donate to the voluntary DMRT here: https://www.idonate.ie/293_donegal-mountain-rescueteam.html
