Two rescued from Benevenagh Mountain snow danger

Two young climbers, both male, had gotten into difficulty climbing a snow gully at the mountain near Magilligan, County Londonderry.

After police received an emergency call at around 3.00pm, an Irish Army Air Corps Helicopter, which had been in Northern Ireland helping with animal relief to farmers because of the adverse weather conditions, was used to take two PSNI Search and Rescue team (SAR) members from Belfast to the scene.

The two SAR team members were transported from Belfast City Airport to the top of the gully, which was heavy with snow and ice.

One of the members of the rescue team abseiled down to the two climbers who were in a very precarious position on the mountain. The two men were secured and they were winched to safety in the helicopter where they were given immediate care.

A second team of three PSNI SAR members, who were training, were picked up at Newcastle and also transported to the scene by an Irish Coastugard helicopter to provide additional resoruces.

In addition, the North West Mountain Rescue were also tasked and they provided Landrover support to the mountain and the two climbers were then transferred over to them, uninjured, to be returned to their car, for their return journey home.

The entire operation was over in two hours, which a police spokesperson said was “made possible through the close working relationship between the different rescue organisations.”

The PSNI spokesperson continued: “Police would like to take this opportunity to make people aware of the snow hazards which are not normally seen in Northern Ireland such as cornices and avalanche risks in those areas affected by snow and strong winds. All walkers, even those with winter experience, should bear this in mind and consider the potential risks before embarking on any walks in these areas.”