Incident Reports 1977

A search was started by the team when 10 schoolboys and 2 adults from Everton failed to return from a fellwalk on the Crinkle Crags area, Langdale. Team members with dogs searched many valleys and fell tops. They were found unharmed, but slightly exposed and exhausted at 3.00 a.m., near Green Hole, Higher Esk. The team escorted them down to Brotherelkeld, Eskdale, and then by ambulances to Langdale , where they had a meal and changed to dry clothes. Team assisted by Eskdale OBMS and Patterdale. Footnote: This group started off far too late in the day for a long distance walk.

A 32 year old man from Dalton-in-Furness slipped on ice covered ground at Shelter Crags, Langdale. He sustained a leg injury. The team stretchered him down the fellside, and then by friends car to Barrow hospital. Footnote: Once again, ice accounted for this accident. The only sensible answer to ice is a simple crampon fixed to the boots. Weather conditions: Cold, fine, snow at times, darkness. Ice and snow underfoot. Ground conditions very dangerous.

The team was called to assist Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team when a 36 year old man and his 6 year old daughter from Mirfield, Yorks., slipped and fell near the summit of Helvellyn. Both were found DEAD the following morning at 8.30 a.m. They had fallen 400 feet from the ridge. Footnote: The outcome of this incident was very sad indeed. The fell tops were very dangerous, with ice and snow covering a large area. Weather conditions: Very cold, dry, darkness. Ice and snow at all levels.

A 14 year old school boy from Wellingborough collapsed, due to exposure/exhaustion near Green-Up Edge. The team had to search for this boy before carrying him three miles on a stretcher to Grasmere. and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: The grid-reference given to the team by the informants was 1 mile out. It was then that a large area had to be searched before the group was finally located. Weather conditions: Cold, wet, windy, darkness. Snow and ice underfoot, with wet patches.

A 45 year old man from Chorley slipped and fell on wet grass at Blind Tarn Moss, Grasmere. He sustained a fractured ankle. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher, and then by friend's car to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Some team members had to divert from Call-out No. 35 on Gibson Knott to attend to this rescue. Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times, cold. Very wet underfoot.

A search was made of Gibson Knott, Grasmere, when a male fellwalker reported someone or something falling from Gibson Knott. Search called off when nothing was found. Footnote: The informant was definite that he saw something fall. False alarm with good intent. Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times, mist. Very wet underfoot.

A search was started when four people were reported missing on a walk from Langdale to Esk Hause, via Rossett Gill. The search was called off when they walked off the fell the next morning at 9.45 a.m., unharmed. — but LUCKY. They had spent the night near Hell Gill in Oxendale. Footnote: This group (1 man and 3 women) was still going up Rossett Gill at 4.30 p.m., with only one hour of daylight left They had no protective cloth¬ing, torch, food or spare clothing.

A 57 year old female from Newcastle-under-Lyme slipped on a path at Tongue Gill, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured ankle. The team carried her down the fell on a stretcher, and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal, Footnote: This lady had all the right equipment — a genuine accident Weather conditions: Overcast, dull, rain at times. Very wet underfoot

A 22 year old female from Cambridge fell 20 feet down a gulley on Middlefell, Langdale, after completing her rock climb. She sustained a serious compound fracture of the lower leg. The team carried her on a stretcher, and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital with police escort. Footnote: Sadly for this young lady, this was her first attempt at rock climbing. The utmost care must be taken when descending after a rock climb, as this is when most accidents happen. Weather conditions: Good, clear, dry with moderate wind. Dry and loose rock underfoot.

The team was called out by the police to investigate a large fire in Easy Gulley, Pavey Ark. No persons were found to be involved, only burning grass and fell, ranging over 150 feet. The team returned off the 'hill' at 12.00 midnight. Footnote: From the valley below, the fire could have been mistaken for a crashed aircraft or tents etc. The fire was a complete mystery. Weather conditions: Moderate wind, dry with showers. Dry underfoot.

A 20 year old male from Barton, Bedfordshire slipped on screes while descending from Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained a compound fracture of the right leg, plus facial injuries. The team carried him down on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: A popular crag, fast becoming loose and polished through human erosion. Weather conditions: Dry, hot, clear. Very dry underfoot.

A 23 year old female from Doncaster collapsed with exhaustion and migraine at the head of Mosedale (237 041). She was carried by the team on a stretcher to Cockley Beck, and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: This young lady was generally unfit for an expedition of such length, plus two nights camping out at high level in very hot weather. Weather conditions: Very hot, sunny, no wind. Dry underfoot.

An 18 year old female from Bolton was thrown to the deck of a boat by the wash from another speedboat by Wray Bay, Lake Windermere. She sustained serious spinal injuries. The team used a special spinal splint before lifting her from the boat. She was taken by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: The Team's specialised medical equipment can be used, and is, for any accident, and not only for fell walkers and climbers. Weather conditions: Fine, warm, clear.

A 21 year old female from Bromsgrove, slipped off a path near Eagle Crag, Easedale, Grasmere. She sustained a severely cut knee, and was carried by the team on a stretcher, and then by sitting car to Kendal hospital. Footnote: This young lady had all the right equipment. Genuine accident. Weather conditions: Clear sunshine, dry. Wet patches underfoot.

A 12 year old school boy from Washington, Durham, collapsed with a virus infection at Tongue Gill, Grasmere. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and then to hospital in Kendal by ambulance. Footnote: Yet another very good group who did everything right when faced with a serious problem on the fells. Weather conditions: Dull, dry, clear. Dry with wet patches underfoot.

A 56 year old man from Manchester slipped on the wet fellside and fractured his ankle/leg on Lingmoor Fell, Langdale. He was carried on a stretcher by team members and taken to hospital in Kendal by ambulance. Footnote: Smooth soled boots could have been the cause of this accident, as the fellside was very wet and slippery. Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times with low mist — very wet underfoot.

A 14 year old school boy from London collapsed with chest pains at Grizedale Tarn, Grasmere. He was carried down on a stretcher and then taken by ambulance to Kendal hospital. Footnote: This young boy had a history of chest trouble. His friends had done everything right, making him comfortable and sending for help. A very praise¬worthy group, and a lesson from which some adults could learn. Weather conditions: Very wet, low mist, ground conditions — saturated

A 17 year old school boy from Westbury slipped near Grizedale Tarn, Grasmere, and sustained an injured femur plus foot injuries (see footnote). He was escorted down the fell by the team after electing to walk. Seen by team doctor and allowed to go home later. Footnote: This injured boy was made to walk down, unaccompanied, by two teachers. There is also a suspicion that he was exhausted, due to his rucksack being overweight, and his walking boots, which were good, were not his own and a poor fit, and he had no waterproof trousers. Weather conditions: Very wet, low mist, cold.

A 59 year old man from Leicester slipped on the fellside near Eagle Crag, Easedale, Grasmere, and sustained a fractured femur. He was carried on a stretcher down the fellside by the team, and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: Once again, smooth soled boots could have been the cause of this accident. Weather conditions: Dull, fine, rather cold. Dry with wet patches underfoot.

A 21 year old female from Newcastle-upon-Tyne slipped and fell off a path at Stickle Tarn, Langdale, sustaining a fractured ankle. She was conveyed down the fell on a stretcher by the team, and then taken to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: This accident happened whilst she was assisting an injured male walker who was in the same party. Weather conditions: Fine, overcast, clear. Dry with wet patches underfoot.

A 37 year old Darlington man was struck by a falling rock whilst waiting to climb a route on Pavey Ark, Langdale. He sustained a serious shoulder injury. The team escorted him down the fellside after he had elected to walk. He was taken by a friend to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Accidents like this happen every year, when the victim is unjured due to no fault of his own. There was a possibility of this accident being caused by a party ascending Jakes Rake, which is very 'loose' indeed. Weather conditions: Dry, warm and clear. Very dry underfoot.

An 81 year old woman from Cleveleys, Blackpool, slipped on loose stones on the lower slopes of Helvellyn (Welpside Gill area). She sustained a fractured ankle and leg injuries. The team carried her down on a stretcher to Wythburn, where she was taken by her son to hospital in Blackpool. Footnote: This was a remarkable old lady who suffered her injuries with a smile, but her footwear was smooth soled bootees, which could have caused the accident. There was also some delay in the team being called out as the telephone box at Wythburn had been vandalised.

A 16 year old boy from Blackburn fell 20 feet whilst under climbing instructions on Black Crag, Langdale. He sustained pelvic injuries and minor cuts. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and then by ambulance to hospital in Lancaster. Footnote: This boy was under climbing instruction from an adult instructor. Weather conditions: Clear, dry, warm. Dry underfoot

A 28 year old woman from Crewe fell 20 feet whilst leading a rock climb on Middlefell Buttress, Langdale. She sustained spinal and head injuries. The team lowered her by stretcher 200 feet from a rock ledge. She was taken by ambulance to hospital in Lancaster.

A 16 year old boy soldier from Norton Manor collapsed with exposure at Stickle Tarn, Langdale. The team carried him down on a stretcher, where he was seen by the team's doctor. Footnote: This group had camped on the tops all night, where it was very cold. None of this group were in good shape when found by the team. Weather conditions: Cold, dull, dry. Wet underfoot with dry patches.

A 60 year old woman slipped off a wooden footbridge at Penny Rock, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured femur and leg injuries. The team carried her on a stretcher and then by the team's landrover ambulance to Ambleside, where she was transferred to a public ambulance and taken to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: This lady was wearing town shoes and ordinary clothes where more robust items were called for even for this simple walk. Weather conditions: Clear, warm, dry — "boggy" and very wet underfoot.

A search was made of Wansfell, Ambleside, when flashes had been sighted from Wray Castle. Nothing was found, and the search was called off at 1.00a.m. (13.4.77) Footnote: This was a false alarm with good intent. Weather conditions: Rain, gale force winds, dark, very wet underfoot.

A 15 year old local school boy from Ambleside slipped and fell 60 feet when leading a rock-climb on Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained spinal injuries and minor cuts. The team lowered him 80 feet over the crag face on a stretcher, and then carried him down to an ambulance and then to hospital at Lancaster. Footnote: For his age, this boy is a very keen and sensible climber. Weather conditions: Dull, rain showers with sunny periods. Rock had wet patches.

A 17 year old female student from St. Helens collapsed on a walk with friends in Rossett Gill, Langdale. She was carried down on a stretcher and seen by the team's doctor, then allowed to go home. Footnote: This young woman had already collapsed 3 times during her walk. It was also her first time on the fells. Weather conditions: Cold, snow showers, dull. Dry underfoot with wet patches.

A 15 year old school boy from Canvey Island collapsed due to exhaustion in Greenburn Valley — Rough Crag area Langdale. He was on an A.T.C., Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. The team carried him on a stretcher and then by the team's ambulance to the doctor in Ambleside. Footnote: This boy had not eaten anything all day. It was also his first expedition. Weather conditions: Dull day, warm, wet underfoot.

A 47 year old woman from Bramhall slipped and fell 80 feet into a gulley on Swine Crag, Langdale. She sustained a fractured right ankle and head injuries. She was carried by the team on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster. Footnote: This lady was wearing fell boots but the soles were nearly smooth. Weather conditions: Rain showers, dull, moderate wind, very wet underfoot.

A 17 year old female student from Slough slipped and fell on Harrison Stickle, Langdale. She was carried by friends to Stickle Tarn, where the team found her. She had a compound fracture of the left ankle, plus an injured right ankle. The team carried her on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: First aid had been given to this student by a Student Doctor. On investigation at the accident scene (Stickle Tarn) by two senior First Aid members, it was found to be incorrect, as the blood flow was constricted, which could have had serious medical consequences.

A 21 year old woman from London slipped and fell 20 feet, landing on a ledge on Raven Crag, Langdale. She fractured her right ankle and leg. She was lowered 30 feet by TRAGSITZ harness, and then carried on a stretcher to an ambulance for Kendal hospital. Footnote: This particular climbing club or group of people, of which this woman was a member, had been involved in three climbing accidents in seven days. Weather conditions: Good, dry, clear, warm, rock conditions "Greasy" — wet rock.

A 21 year old man from Nottingham fell 45 feet whilst on a solo rock climb on East Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained severe cuts to the head and body, also bruises and shock. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and seen by the team doctor. Footnote: This man had no climbing gear at all, footwear was training shoes, yet the route being attempted was "MAMBA". Quote from genuine climbers in the area "He was fooling about". Weather conditions: Good, clear, dry, warm. Dry underfoot

A 53 year old woman from Birkenhead slipped on the wet fellside at Helm Crag, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured left ankle. The team carried her on a stretcher to her car, which was driven by her husband to hospital at Kendal. Footnote: This lady had thirty years experience of Fellwalking in the Lake District. Weather conditions: Dull, fine, cold wind - in places very wet underfoot.

A 32 year old male fellwalker from Congleton slipped on wet rock in Easy Gulley on Pavey Ark, Langdale and fell 100 feet. He sustained a fractured leg with spinal and arm injuries. Carried on a stretcher by the team, then to hospital at Lancaster. Footnote: This man had to be lowered 300 feet down the gulley on a stretcher, which proved to be no mean feat, as he was 6' 4" and 171/2 stone — team members remember this rescue well!! Backs ache yet!! Weather conditions: Dull, fine and cold, darkness - very wet in the gulley and underfoot.

The Team assisted Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and search dogs after two male walkers were reported missing on Scafell Pike. Search called off after all night search when the men walked off the fell in Borrowdale at 9.00 a.m. Footnote: Once again, another group caught out by darkness — "We did not give ourselves enough time for the walk in daylight" said one man. Weather conditions: Deteriorating, thick hill fog, strong winds, cold - old hard snow underfoot.

The Team assisted the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team in a search for two men missing in Deepdale — Greenhowe End area Patterdale. Found unharmed at 11.00 a.m., and escorted down the fell. Footnote: These men gave false names and addresses to the police — reason not given. They were caught out by darkness after climbing a snow gulley. Weather conditions: Thick hill fog, rain showers, windy. Thawing snow underfoot.

The team recovered the body of a missing man, age 40 years, at the head of Troutbeck Park, Troutbeck, Windermere, when a farmer found him whilst tending his sheep. Carried three miles by team on a stretcher. Footnote: There seems to be a mystery surrounding this man, who had been seen in the area some days before he was found. Last known address was Barrow-in-Furness. Cumbria police seem to know this man. Clothing and footwear (missing when found) totally inadequate for conditions. Weather conditions: Cold, dull with snow showers, ice and deep snow underfoot.

A search of Loughrigg Fell and surrounding areas of Ambleside was made when a 13 year old local boy was last seen at Todd Crag, Loughrigg. The boy was found unharmed at Rydal at 9.00 p.m. Footnote: The boy had little or no protective clothing to spend a night on the fells. Plimsoles were his only form of footwear. Weather conditions: Very cold, ice underfoot, darkness.