Two walkers rescued from mountain in Kerry on Christmas Day

Kerry Mountain Rescue came to the assistance of two stranded hillwalkers, after they got lost while hiking on Christmas Day.

Rescue services were alerted by gardaí in Killarney after a pair of hikers reported being lost close to Mangerton mountain.

The mountain rescue team was able to use a search and rescue Locator app (SARLOC) to locate the stranded pair, south of the summit of Stoompa.

The alarm was raised at approximately 5pm yesterday, and a rescue team spokesperson said conditions were “very cold and windy” by the time the callout concluded at about 9:30pm.

Earlier this month, Kerry Mountain Rescue issued a warning issued a warning to those intending on undertaking hill walks and hikes over the Christmas period:

With the short winter days and cold weather upon us, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains. As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains.

Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too.

Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day. Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.

Whatever your plans, you’ll need a good head torch and spare batteries in case you get delayed. People sometimes prefer to carry a second lightweight torch so they don’t need to change batteries in the cold or the dark if the head torch packs up.

The rescue team also advised for anyone who becomes lost to call 999 or 112 and ask for ‘‘mountain rescue”, and to then stay where you are until contacted by the rescue team.

Header image via Facebook/Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

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