Skip to content

Hiker stretchered off moor in Christmas Day rescue

East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team A man is seen from behind walking across moorland with a flashlight illuminating the ground to the side and front of him. He is wearing an orange high-viz jacket East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team
East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team found the men through their GPS location tracker on a mobile phone

Two walkers sparked a six-hour rescue operation after getting stuck on moorland on Christmas Day.

East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team said they were called by police at about 21:00 GMT seeking assistance for two walkers on Rough Tor.

The team used Phonefind - a tool that uses phone GPS data to pinpoint location - to track down the walkers.

On locating the pair, the team said it used a stretcher to carry one of the walkers down "the steep and very rocky ground" and after a medical check, they were well enough to return home.

East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team An orange and white van with East Cornwall Search and Rescue written in blue on the side is seen being sprayed down following the operation East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team
The team were home by 03:30 GMT following the rescue operation

Detailing the use of Phonefind, a team spokesman said: "This was particularly helpful on this occasion, as the walkers had started to become cold and wet from the very bad weather... a full check over was done by one of our dedicated remote rescue medical technicians.

"We arrived at our awaiting team vehicle ready to transport them back to their vehicle to head home to the warm.

"We wish them both a very merry Christmas and a happy new year."

They said the team got home shortly after 03:30 GMT on Boxing Day.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

More on this story
Related internet links