Teenager airlifted to hospital after mountain fall

A 16-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital this morning after spending the night stranded alone on the Dingle Peninsula.

The teenager had been climbing Mount Brandon, near Dingle in Co Kerry, with his 13-year-old brother when he fell from a ledge, suffering severe head injuries.

The younger boy went back alone to get help, but by the time he returned with their parents it was dark and they were unable to locate the same spot.

An Irish Coastguard spokesman said the alarm was raised at 11.45pm. The Dingle Coastguard and Kerry Mountain Rescue were joined by locals who braved the night to search for the teenager.

“At one point after midnight there were up to 45 people searching the mountain,” the spokesman said.

“The 16-year-old was eventually found at 6am but he was in very poor condition, with multiple lacerations, severe head injuries and a knee injury.

“He had severe hypothermia because he had gone up the mountain wearing only jeans and a t-shirt and he couldn’t walk.”

The teenager was airlifted to Tralee Hospital where his condition is said to be improving.

The two boys had decided to climb Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak, to go fishing on one of its lakes.

The Irish Coastguard warned that difficulties arise when inexperienced walkers attempt to climb mountains, unaware of the dangers.

“It is very, very rough and dangerous terrain out there,” he said.

“Climbers should always wear the right clothing and ensure they are familiar with the route and the conditions.”