Body of young man found on Ben Nevis

[Toddy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-12378657

Every year Lochaber mountain rescue have to deal with tragedies like this.
Every year they make a plea for people to think before they tackle the hills.
Every year they make a plea for people to make sure they are properly dressed and equiped.
The Cairngorm plateau is a beautiful place, and it looks so accessible, on paper and every year young, fit, able people die there because of the weather

Our sympathies go to Mr Manir's family and friends, but his own folly was to blame for this.

We have a custom of not speaking ill of the dead, so we shan't say more than because he was not dressed for the hills over thirty other people risked their lives to find him.
I don't want their jobs, but I have a great deal of respect for them for doing it, and if this post does anything to make someone actually listen to their advice, then it's well worth the effort.

http://www.lochabermrt.co.uk/

Toddy

 

[FreddyFish]

It is an important point well made Toddy.


I know we all enjoy spending time outdoors and a lot of us like the minimalistic and self reliance aspect of bushcraft but this should not be to the exclusion of common sense. We should all take note and not be complacent about our time out in all remote areas.

The following is an extract from http://lochabermrt.co.uk/safety/

Equipment To Bring

Most walkers will complete a walk within daylight and without incident. Unfortunately accidents happen so it is worth taking sufficient equipment with you to be able to stay out safely overnight if the route takes longer than planned or a member of the party should become injured.

It is worth considering the following as a minimum for a days’ summer hillwalking:

Suitable footwear
Map ( OS Sheet 41 for Ben Nevis) – be able to read a map and take a grid reference
Compass – be able to use it
Torch
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Spare warm clothing incl. hat and gloves
Food + spare
Water
Survival bag or group shelter
First Aid Kit for small injuries
Mobile Phone: should not be relied upon as signal is not always available

In winter you should consider carrying and be able to use:

Ice Axe
Crampons
Goggles
Helmet (Depending on route)
Safety Rope

 

[Bodge]

This is very sad but as Toddy says it happens all too often. Myself and 3 friends did Nevis about 8 years ago on a fine sunny day (in April). We got to 500 foot from the summit but a snow storm had started and we decided to abort the summit and get a brew on in a sheltered crag before the descent. We were gobsmacked when a group of people came down through the squall with denim/leather jackets and jeans and trainers with no bags. They actually had ice forming on their hair (no hats). We just looked at each other in disbelief, offered them some refreshments, which they declined and continued their descent. I thought I was a bit overkill on equipment but had enough to spend 2 nights up there if neccessary and was glad to have this reassurance.

I think it very unfair for the ill equiped to put rescuers lives at risk. It must be through ignorance that this happens time and time again. IMO

 

[BOD]

.....
Most walkers will complete a walk within daylight and without incident. Unfortunately accidents happen so it is worth taking sufficient equipment with you to be able to stay out safely overnight ...

[/I]

Yup, whatever the activity, that's the basis of my preparation especially as I grow older and slower

 

[Shewie]

Every year Lochaber mountain rescu...es properly and don't take unnecessary risks.

 

[Damascus]

I sympathise for their loss, I have met many who have/would have been in the same predicament.

A couple of years ago I was with a group doing leadership training in the Peaks and we came across mum dad and two young girls dressed in jeans, T shirts, trainers with a fleece around their waists. Location on top of Kinder Scout. The skies were black with rain when the man asks "Do you know were you are" Yes was the reply. He asks if I could show him on the map, which I did, I then asked were was his, his wife came over with a tourist pamphlet with all the local car parks on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were lost and trying to find the car park were their car was. We pointed them the shortest route on a track down and told them to use the road back to their car, politely explained their folly of what they were doing, we all shook our heads in disbelief when they left, well is was sunday afternoon after all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


THEY WALK THIS EARTH

 

[ArkAngel]

Not being prepared happens at all times of the year.

The year the wife and i walked up Nevis it was a beautiful red hot summers day. We still had warm jumpers and waterproofs with us knowing the weather can change in no time.

Well it stayed red hot, on the way up (we set off at 6AM) it wasn't too bad, the more "serious" well prepared walkers and climbers were out and looked to be well prepared.

Once we had reached the summit and had lunch up there things went wrong on the way down. The weather was still red hot and we were passing people in shorts and t-shirts carrying a tiny bottle of mineral water. Mountain rescue had people at regular intervals with rucksacks full of water treating plenty of people with heat stroke and dehydration. The RAF sea-king was doing a great trade in lifting off the worst suffering people and to cut down on flight time were using a field in Glen Nevis to deliver customers to the waiting ambulances.

It doesn't matter on weather you need to be prepared for ANY condition on the hills, heat can be just as much of a problem as cold and wet.

 

[greensurfingbear]

It seems far to common... But not just in the UK. I was visiting friends in Norway and decided to doa days hill walking in the snow. As you'd expect I had full kit. I saw a group ahead of me which I caught up with. It wad in knee deep snow and I wad shocked that they had loafers and jeans on. At least they took my advice and went back down. Think insurance for mountain rescue might not be a bad idea.

 

[dwolfhunter]

These are the same type of folks who, here in the states, can be seen trying to hike in the Adirondacks, or Mount Washington, Grand Canyon etc... wearing sneakers, high heels, not carrying sufficient water,no map, no understanding of the wildlife and their habits. Trusting in the love of God and the Forest Service to save them if they run into trouble( mindless of the response time for most regional Ranger stations= 30-45 minutes at best, several hours at worst) Sad really.

 

[Wilderbeast]

The thing is, this is exactly why I get Pi**ed off when people have a dig at others for carrying too much kit. If you think others are carrying unnecessary kit then that's fine, but there's a fine line between suggesting someone lightens their load - and adding to this ridiculous "Hard man image" which is created by those who think themselves superior because they carry less equipment.

You find it in all hobbies and sports, those who play rugby but refuse to wear a gum shield for example. The most ridiculous one I've come across is divers who think it's macho to take down only as much air as they need....ridiculous.

 

[ArkAngel]

The thing is, this is exactly why I get Pi**ed off when people have a dig at others for carrying too much kit. If you think others are carrying unnecessary kit then that's fine, but there's a fine line between suggesting someone lightens their load - and adding to this ridiculous "Hard man image" which is created by those who think themselves superior because they carry less equipment.

Absolutely mate.

I tend to overdo it somewhat when out walking on the equipment front but it has got myself and a great number of people out of the poo over the years.

My FAK is huge but i have helped with plenty of blisters from walkers who assume that you can walk miles on a new pair of boots. An eye pad made a great paw bandage for an unfortunate dog with a split paw.

I carry a water filter and have refilled many a half litre water bottle from it for thirsty walkers who have been arguing if it's safe to drink from a stream (probably was but let's not take a chance) and provided hot brews for the cold and wet.

GPS and map directions for those who think that there should be signposts in the Scottish Highlands (it's true, a lost French tourist and his girlfriend were most vocal to SWMBO and i on one walk!!!)

I plan and carry for the unexpected, and have yet to be unprepared for anything the great outdoors can throw at us.

 

[dwolfhunter]

OH heck no, brother. If air is at a premium...we do not skimp on air.

I also have to admit to responding unkindly to those who mock my gear for being more comprehensive. I carry what I carry, don't like it? Don't count on me sharing it when your plan goes belly up.

 

[greensurfingbear]

. I carry what I carry, don't like it? Don't count on me sharing it when your plan goes belly up.

wishes there was a like button for that comment

 

[British Red]

Its true on many levels though.

The number of people who don't carry a basic car kit (like the young girl we found in a mini dress, walking down an unlit country road, with no torch or coat following a breakdown, staring at her signal-less mobile ), or the number of people who use sharps without any first aid training with a workpiece balanced on a nice artery or those who can't cope when the power is out for a couple of days.

All guilty of similar complacency in my book

 

[Barn Owl]

Please remember that mrts' do it because they want too and enjoy their training days and real rescues.
If circumstances were different i'd be in the Strathclyde Police team now.

Please don't mention insurance,that's a money making exercise for ins' companies and doesn't benefit anyone else.
Rest assured mrt wouldn't be any better equipped.

RN and RAF search and rescue do it because it's the best training for when they have to do it for the troops.

People who go ill equipped and under dressed are free to do so if they wish.
There is plenty of advice regarding the dangers available to them before they venture out.

 

[filcon]

I don,t think its just a matter of suitable equipment, experience and preparation is also needing to be addressed.
Before any trip, tourist climbers should fill out an application form with relative information and pay for climbing the mountains. They should also have the appropriate insurance cover, sufficient to pay for all rescue and legal costs as they are putting others at risk.
Go to everest, kilimanjaro, china, russia etc, and try and get free climbing and rescue facilities.
Corporate law involving injuries , death to the rescuees will be coming into play in the near future its a matter of time.

phil

 

[dwolfhunter]

Yeah but let's look at the disparity in climbing and rescue facilities involved... Everest, where you climb more or less at your own risk AND if you die they use your corpse for a road sign and cannibalise your gear...or someplace where they'll actually try to save you and/or recover your remains if possible.

 

[789987]

I don,t think its just a matter of suitable equipment, experience and preparation is also needing to be addressed.
Before any trip, tourist climbers should fill out an application form with relative information and pay for climbing the mountains. They should also have the appropriate insurance cover, sufficient to pay for all rescue and legal costs as they are putting others at risk.
Go to everest, kilimanjaro, china, russia etc, and try and get free climbing and rescue facilities.
Corporate law involving injuries , death to the rescuees will be coming into play in the near future its a matter of time.

phil

yeah.. and they should follow the McTrail and buy the McMerchandise too...

lets just leave it like it is- as it stands its probably safer than driving on the road to get there

 

[dwolfhunter]

yeah.. and they should follow the McTrail and buy the McMerchandise too...

lets just leave it like it is- as it stands its probably safer than driving on the road to get there

Okay...now I want a like button for this post

 

[Laurentius]

It happens and **** happens and it is a tragedy every time, so let's not get into this old chestnut about ill equipped or properly equipped, when the proverbial hits the fan, you can be as experienced and as well equipped as any, but if your number is up it is up.

Who is to blame when somebody goes out and takes on something a bit more than they are really capable of, I am not sure it is the individual themselves but a whole lot more to do with the environment and education (pardon me for going all sociological, but I am an academic for my sins)

99 times you can get away with it, and perhaps the hundredth you are screwed, who has not been there at some time and rejoiced that they got away with it?

This is not a plea nor an excuse for going ill equipped simply a recognition of the complexities of our world. When I was young I did crazy things, and thank God I survived.