Record year for mountain rescue callouts

Mountain rescue teams are reporting a record year for callouts.

Both the Keswick and Coniston teams in Cumbria say they have had their busiest year ever, responding to more than 200 incidents between them.

Northumberland's two groups have also seen a rise in the number of incidents in 2024 from the previous year.

Richard Warren, from the Lake District Search And Mountain Rescue Association, said: "It's been both busy and tragic, with four fatalities in December alone which is always hard for our teams".

In Cumbria, the 12 teams of volunteers had 813 callouts in 2024 which was 15% up on 2023.

"Most are to things like lower limb injuries, ankles predominately, breaks and sprains when people need help getting down," Mr Warren said.

Two of our teams, Langdale and Coniston, even went out to incidents on Christmas Day leaving their families, so a big shout-out to them."

Will Close-Ash, from Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, said volunteers responded to 81 incidents in 2024 - their "busiest year since 2021" - including searching for missing former England rugby player Tom Voyce.

"Even when the outcome is not what we'd hoped for it's still comforting when family members come back to us and say thank you for bringing them closure," he said.

North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team's callouts have gone up by 42% since 2022.

Team leader Keith Briggs said: "We've had lots of rescues along Hadrian's Wall, injured horse riders in remote locations, lost walkers."

"It's been upsetting at times, when there's a tragic outcome, but it's a job we have to do."

All mountain rescue teams urge people not to go out unless they are properly equipped.

"Many of the incidents we attend are avoidable," Mr Warren said.

"If you rely on your phone for navigation, always take a battery pack with you, wear the right clothing and always stay together as a group."

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