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NewsDramatic video shows mountain rescuers hunt for stranded climbers in blizzard at...

Dramatic video shows mountain rescuers hunt for stranded climbers in blizzard at 3,000ft

DRAMATIC video shows a mountain rescue team battle blizzard conditions at over 3,000ft to rescue walkers stranded on a mountain.

Oban Mountain Rescue Team were scrambled by helicopter to help two “cragfast” hillwalkers on Beinn Narnain, Argyll and Bute.

The munro is notorious for its rough and rocky terrain, and it was a first time climb for two of Oban’s volunteers.

The volunteers were called out to the 926m (3038ft) peak at around 5.30pm on Saturday (JAN 13).

The Oban team, covering for Arrochar Mountain Rescue while they were away on a training weekend, are seen boarding the rescue helicopter and then preparing to be winched down.

The footage cuts to the team being lowered in the dark on to the slopes of the mountain and heading off into the snow-whipped terrain.

Using torches and walking sticks, the group march through snow and high winds to locate the stranded walkers.

They eventually caught up with Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team, and helped the two hillwalkers to safety.

Oban Mountain Rescue Team posted the video with the caption: “Oban MRT and Police Scotland MRT were out this evening rescuing two cragfast hillwalkers close to the summit of Beinn Narnain above Arrochar.

“The pair were located and assisted up over the summit and walked off hill. Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team were away training this weekend so happy to help as they cover our area if when were away. Video shows Oban group reaching the summit.”

Social media users were quick to praise the rescue team.

Andy Kerr said: “As we all love the hills around us we should always be so grateful that we have MRTs and emergency services that provide us with an amazing response in the event of something going wrong, which we all know can happen to any of us. Massive well done and glad it was a good ending for the walkers.”

Allan Strang Jnr added: “Glad of the good ending. Well done.”

Danny Crainie commented: “Fantastic well done to you all.”

While Peter Douglas said simply: “Well done MRT again, glad the walkers are ok.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “”Around 1355 hours police received a report of two male hillwalkers in difficulty on Beinn Narnain.

“Emergency services attended and the men were safely assisted back to their vehicles. They did not require medical treatment.”

 

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