Rescuers at the site in the climbing wall at Keswick. Photo: Keswick MRT

Lake District rescuers were called to help a caver who became stuck – at an indoor climbing wall.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team said the incident was a very unusual one.

A team spokesperson said: “A small group had decided on an indoor caving experience at a local climbing wall.

“Once in a narrow tunnel a male participant attempted to turn around but got stuck. The climbing wall staff tried their normal rescue procedure but this was unsuccessful so called 999 for help.”

The Keswick team responded, along with fire and rescue crew, police and ambulance staff.

The spokesperson said: “As this was a cave rescue/confined-space type of operation the Keswick MRT leader called in Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit, and the hazardous area response team also attended. While the emergency services were deciding on evacuation plans the climbing wall staff, assisted by visiting climbers, started dismantling sections of the wall to aid access to tunnels hidden behind the climbing wall panels.

“With time passing there was growing concern for the trapped man’s health as he was in a static position in a confined space. With this in mind the Keswick MRT team doctor called in the [Great North Air Ambulance] Helimed resources.

“After some fantastic work by the climbing wall staff, climbers, COMRU, and fire and rescue, with their specialist cutting equipment, the man was released from his captivity. He was then transferred by land ambulance to Carlisle hospital for further checks and treatment.”

The incident lasted just over four hours and involved 12 Keswick MRT volunteers.