Rhododendron rescue: Couple saved after becoming lost in dense foliage

(A SEMA jeep searching for the couple. Picture SEMA via Facebook)

A couple in their 50s had to be brought to safety by mountain rescue volunteers after becoming lost in a dense rhododendron forest in the Knockmealdown mountains at the weekend.

(The area where the couple were lost. Picture SEMA via Facebook)

The incident happened on Sunday after the couple, both described as experienced hill walkers, became trapped in a treacherous area of steep ground overlooking Bay Lough in south Tipperary, close to the Waterford border.

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A rescure operation was launched involving the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA), Cahir River Rescue and Cahir gardaí.

(Picture SEMA via Facebook)

"Mountain Rescue spotters, who were able to make visual contact with the two experienced hill walkers, guided rescuers in by radio to the location in very dense rhododendron forest," said SEMRA in a post on its Facebook page.

"It was horrendous - I have been a member of mountain rescue for 15 years and it was probably one of the most dangerous exercises or rescues I've been on, " SEMRA volunteer Jimmy Barry told the BBC.

"It was like a jungle and it was horrendous, because everything dies underneath rhododendron."

Mr Barry said it took volunteers around two hours to reach the couple, reported as being from Munster.

(Mountain Rescue spotters involved in the operation. Picture SEMA via Facebook)

Cahir River Rescue then helped to transport the two across the lake to safety, rather than risking an arduous trek back up the slopes of Knockshanahullion mountain.

The association described the operation as a "good result".

(Cahir River Rescue transport the couple across Bay Lough. Picture SEMA via Facebook)

Well done to all involved!