Donegal Mountain Rescue volunteers were in action over the weekend after a hiker went missing from their walking group.
The call-out was issued on Saturday afternoon when a missing person was reported on Carnaween Mountain in the Blue Stack mountains.
The incident turned out to be a “simple mistake” as the lone walker was later found safe and well.
Donegal Mountain Rescue team shared details of the call-out to give advice to the public on how to prepare for any incident on the mountains.
The call originally came from gardaí in Galway, who were in contact with a walking group who reported one walker missing after their stop for lunch.
Donegal Mountain Rescue volunteers were, at that time, training on Lough Salt and made ready to depart. They made contact with the group and instructed them to stay at their current location.
A DMRT spokesperson said: “Multiple attempts were made by the group members, AGS, DMRT using Sarcall, Rescue 118 and Malin Head Coast Guard to contact the missing person but to no avail. On arrival at the groups parked car, the DMRT fast response team began to sweep the area, splitting in to search teams as other members arrived on scene.
“Not long after, a lone walker was spotted descending the hill and it was established that this was the missing walker. The rest of the group were contacted and told to make their descent as a hasty team was deployed to meet them and ensure their safe return.
“This was a very positive outcome – all walkers were found safe and well and this was a simple mistake. Each member was well equipped with sufficient food, warm clothing and equipment. That said, a simple misunderstanding meant that one of their party went missing and the person who called in the team did the right thing.”
Their advice to hikers is to always be prepared with adequate phone charge and equipment:
“It is very important that if you have a mobile phone, that you bring it with you on the hill, fully charged, should you ever be in need of assistance. We use Sarcall to help locate your position and it can be an invaluable tool to help us get to anyone who needs our help. When hiking with a group, make sure you move as a group and leave a location as a group, ensuring that all members are accounted before before embarking further on your journey.
“Our many thanks to everyone involved today – An Garda Síochána , Rescue 118 Malin Head Coast Guard and Sligo Airport. A great outcome for the group and we are delighted everyone is safe.”
