The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team was in action this evening after a group of walkers lost their way on Errigal mountain.
The volunteers were tasked to the mountain at 6.43pm after a light had been spotted at the back of the hill.
It emerged that walkers had climbed the hill but lost their way and found themselves around the back of the mountain.
They found their way to the path however and, with the help of the rescue team, arrived safely back to their vehicle.
The call-out took two hours to reach a positive outcome.
A spokesperson for the DMRT gave this advice: “The nights are closing in and darkness falls very fast this time of year. No matter where you go on your hike, always be aware of the route you are taking so that you can reduce the risk of taking the wrong path or a route that isn’t safe. Always carry a torch/headtorch and, as always, make sure you have the correct clothing for your hike, as well as plenty of food and water and a fully charged mobile phone.
If you are going to be walking late in to the evening, it is good practice to alert your local Garda Station and/or your local mountain rescue so as they are aware of your movements.”
DMRT provides an emergency response, remote environment and extreme terrain search and rescue service for the County of Donegal. The team is comprised completely of volunteers who are on 24 hour call, 365 days of the year.
The team is tasked by An Garda Síochána, so if there is an emergency please call 112 or 999 directly. This is to ensure an appropriate coordinated response.
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