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Walkers rescued in 'atrocious weather' near Ben Macdui | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Two hillwalkers who got into difficulty on the Cairngorm Plateau in "atrocious" weather conditions on Wednesday have been found safe. | |
They were found close to the north summit of Britain's second highest peak, Ben Macdui, by members of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. | |
The walkers were taken to a lower level on the mountain to be met by a Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter. | The walkers were taken to a lower level on the mountain to be met by a Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter. |
The operation was done in winds gusting to 100mph, blizzards and lightning. | |
Cairngorm MRT, who were alerted just before 17:00, described the air crew's flying in the "atrocious" conditions as "amazing". | |
Rescue team leader Willie Anderson said forecasts for worse weather on Thursday meant it was crucial the hillwalkers were found quickly. | |
He said: "We were really concerned for these folk as the chances of survival on a night like this were very slim." | |
The two walkers got into difficulty after torrential rain soaked their clothing and equipment. | |
Mr Anderson said: "The weather had completely overwhelmed them. It completely soaked and trashed their gear. | |
"We don't like to criticise people unnecessarily, but I was surprised to find anyone up there given the weather conditions." | |
The walkers were found at about 22:00 and airlifted by a Royal helicopter and crew stationed at HMS Gannet at Prestwick in Ayrshire at about 23:20. |