Reeks rescue climber saved by mobile call
The 33-year-old man, an experienced climber, sustained head and lung injuries in a fall and remained in a stable condition yesterday in Tralee General Hospital.
The alarm was raised by a second walker who saw his friend slip and fall at 2,000ft on the eastern side of the reeks near Cummeenmor lake.
Kerry Mountain rescue spokesperson Eileen Daly revealed: “The friend had a mobile phone and alerted the emergency services.
“I know people, including climbers, complain about mobile phones especially in peaceful, and tranquil settings but on this occasion, it was a lifesaver,” she said.
The pair, both experienced climbers, were descending the reeks on Sunday afternoon along a track known as The Bone when the accident occurred.
According to Ms Daly, weather conditions were deplorable and hampered the 16-strong rescue team. An airlift attempt by a Shannon Coastguard rescue helicopter had to be aborted.
“The injured man was conscious when the rescuers arrived. Visibility was poor and the rescue team used a rope relay to take him to safety. It was a slow process as they did not know the full nature of his injuries. The ground was slippery and it took the guts of seven hours.” Ms Daly said.
Ms Daly said the mountain rescue team is on alert all-year around.
“There are more people on the mountains during the summer but there’s no pattern, as such, to accidents.
A change in weather conditions can put even the most experienced climbers in difficulty,” she added.
