The search of Scafell Pike was called off after the walkers were found driving home
A major search for missing walkers on England’s highest mountain was called off when police found the missing trio heading back to their home in Lincolnshire.
The three had called for help from Scafell Pike on Sunday after getting into difficulties on the fell.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’s volunteers were called out about 3.30pm after the walkers reported they were very cold in strong winds and sleet on the 978m (3,209ft) mountain.
By evening, the team had still not found the missing three, and called in help from the neighbouring Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.
The Langdale team joined the search about 8.20pm and car parks in Borrowdale, Eskdale and Langdale were all checked to try to find their vehicle.
A Langdale team spokesperson said: “During this time they were located by police heading back to Lincolnshire, seemingly not thinking it important to respond to the voicemail or text message attempts to contact them, or notify the police that they were safe.”
A Wasdale MRT spokesperson said: “It helps us out if people can phone in if they get down themselves as soon as practical, potentially via a land line when mobile signal is poor, otherwise we may need to put people on the mountain just to prove no one is still out there.”
On Saturday, the Wasdale team rescued eight people lost on Scafell Pike and warned conditions were unseasonably cold on the felltop.
Two groups of walkers were also reported overdue from the mountain on Sunday, but turned up safe in the valley.
Alan
18 August 2014These people need to be prosecuted.
They have no regard or respect for anyone. MRT must get frustrated from this type of incident. They have my admiration for all the good work they do, especially when thoughtless people theat them like this.
Also well done to the police for finding them
MB
18 August 2014In this sort of situation, where they apparently didn't respond to the messages, there's surely a case to be made for "naming and shaming"
Laura
18 August 2014They should be prosecuted, so many people trying to save/help them ! That's lack of respect for all rescuers ! Unbelibevel !
Peter
18 August 2014Unbelievable that they didn't report they were down.
Whether volunteers or professionals, people put themselves at risk for these guys.
Sally
18 August 2014Disgusting lack of respect for the MRT..... absolutely no excuses. This is where the authorities need to step in and heavily fine the people responsible.....after all MRT risked their lives in the same conditions these fools wallowed in. I'm fuming at their ignorance!
Mike
18 August 2014Just to clarify, the term 'major search' has been yet again been misused. No team members were committed to searching for the missing people. There was a routine search of car parks to see if the people were still on the mountain or not. There needs to be clear evidence that the people were still lost on the mountain before team deployment.
I have noticed that the media and this website big these type of incidents up using the above terms... when there was far from a 'major search' carried out.
The message is still clear though, let the police know when you are down safe from the mountain.
Mike
MRT
Paul B
18 August 2014A cynic might say they would be better staying on the hills in Lincolnshire.
Very annoying.