Rescuers brought the man to safety in Seathwaite. Photo: Keswick MRT
A man was rescued from a Lake District fell after getting stuck in waist-deep snow.
The 24-year-old got into difficulties after one of his tent poles broke while camping.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was contacted by the man, who was at Esk Hause in the Central Fells, about 6.15pm on Thursday. He had already been on the mountain for 24 hours.
A team spokesperson said: “He had been camping at high level, but a pole on his tent broke, and he was concerned that it would collapse altogether.
“Initially, he thought he could stay out the night, but might need assistance in the morning. However, he changed his mind, and requested immediate assistance.”
Seven volunteers from the team set out at 10.10pm and made their way to the camper and led him down to Seathwaite in Borrowdale, where a team vehicle was used to take him to Keswick.
The 5¼-hour rescue ended at 3.25am on Friday.
MountainMike
15 January 2016People that camp in these conditions should be fully self sufficient and have the gumption to do what is necessary without calling out rescue teams. Broken tent poles is a known risk in the winter as the wind and weight of water (especially frozen as snow) can easily snap poles or tear off pegging points. A flapping tent is an annoyance, but generally a secure and safe environment. If one pole breaks it may be wise to lower the other poles and use the tent as a bivy. It has happened to me long before mobile phones were de rigour. I walked off the day after and got better poles and use a sewing machine to fit extra pegging points to make life less noisy in the future.
Munro277
15 January 2016Fail to see how this needed a rescue,be prepared,pole snaps repair or wrap tent around you and leave in the morning ...or just pack up and leave..on your own ..but well done mrt for attending
Jack diamond
17 January 2016My son and myself had a chat with this chap at top of grains ghyll and he seemed pretty well equipped for his proposed camp at esk hause but am surprised he was planning to stay two nights. Conditions were pretty grim with deep snow drifts and high winds. One night would have been enough for me! No doubt he will be better prepared next time.
Diddy
10 January 2017Two years ago camped near the cliffs on the SWCP the wind changed direction gaining strength by coming off the sea and up the cliff. My estimate 60mph. The tent was likely to blow away with me hanging onto it. I dropped the tent and wound myself into it. Amazingly I slept till about 5am when it started to get light, I turned over and slept another hour or so. No more cliff site for me.