Why were the hikers rescued from Ben Macdui?

The hikers were rescued because they became stranded in extreme cold, with one suffering from hypothermia, and were inadequately dressed for the conditions.

What were the rescue conditions on Ben Macdui?

The rescue took place in minus 15C temperatures with wind chill, on icy terrain, and involved the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

What equipment were the rescued hikers lacking on Ben Macdui?

The hikers were lacking essential winter equipment such as crampons and an ice axe, and were wearing only jogging bottoms and trainers.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Hikers Rescued in Arctic Blast: Ill-Equipped Duo Saved from Ben Macdui

Hikers Rescued in Arctic Blast: Ill-Equipped Duo Saved from Ben Macdui

1 Jan

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Summary

Two young hikers were rescued from Ben Macdui in sub-zero temperatures.
They were found in jogging bottoms and trainers, with one suffering hypothermia.
The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team performed the rescue in treacherous conditions.

Hikers Rescued in Arctic Blast: Ill-Equipped Duo Saved from Ben Macdui

Two hikers in their 20s were rescued from Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in Britain, after becoming stranded in extreme sub-zero temperatures. The pair had started their climb at 6 pm on Tuesday, but became stuck just two and a half hours later, with one suffering from hypothermia. The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team was dispatched, finding the men in a precarious state and inadequately dressed for the conditions.

Temperatures on the mountain plummeted to minus 15C with wind chill. The hikers, who had traveled from Edinburgh, were found in jogging bottoms and trainers, lacking essential winter gear like crampons or an ice axe. Team leader Iain Cornfoot emphasized they would not have survived the night given their attire and unpreparedness. They were located in the Goat Track area of Coire an t-Sneachda, where icy conditions made further progress impossible.