Mountaineer killed after avalanche in Scotland
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Version 0 of 1. A climber has died in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands. He was one of two men from Suffolk reported missing on Friday night after they failed to return from a climb on Coireag Dubh Mor, in the Torridon area. Mountain rescue teams and the Stornoway coastguard helicopter were forced to call off a search for the two because the weather was so bad. The search resumed on Saturday afternoon and one of the climbers was found walking to get help for the other man. The two had been caught up in an avalanche, police said. The other man was located but he was already dead. Police Scotland said both men were experienced climbers and had proper equipment. Heavy snow and strong winds have been persistent in the Highlands over the past month. A force spokesman said: “Poor weather conditions made for difficult search conditions. The search continued during Saturday. One of the climbers was traced in the early afternoon, walking out to summon assistance for his companion. Both had been avalanched. “His companion was subsequently traced, but did not survive. A report is being submitted to the procurator fiscal.” In 2012, the last full year for which figures are available, Scotland’s mountain rescuers helped 720 people, with 240 and 25 fatalities in Scotland’s mountains. Advice was issued earlier this year to walkers, climbers and skiers. Mark Diggins, from the Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service, said: ”Many thousands of enthusiasts enjoy the Scottish mountains every winter. ”However, the fast-changing weather, with its snowfall, avalanche hazard, strong winds and poor visibility, requires us to be much more prepared when going into the mountains in the winter. ”Good clothing, navigational ability, appropriate equipment, movement skills on steep terrain and use of ice axe and crampons are a necessary requirement for our enjoyment and safety.” |