Coastguards use parachute flare to rescue climbers at night

10/05/2023

Coastguards rescued climbers in trouble on cliffs in Cumbria, UK, at night after using a parachute flare to find them.

Two climbers had been bouldering – free climbing without ropes or harnesses – on cliffs near St Bees Lighthouse but lost their way and became stuck as darkness fell.

They stopped on a ledge and called 999 for the Coastguard from their mobile phone. They gave a precise reference of their location and confirmed they were uninjured and did not require medical attention.

Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguard Rescue teams were asked to carry out a Rope Rescue.

The coastguards used a parachute flare to light the area and made visual and verbal contact with the climbers.

A twin rope rescue system was set up whilst the Officer in Charge, Rope Technician and Edge Safety Officer discussed how to carry out the rescue.

Due to the steep terrain and loose sandstone a crew from Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R936 from Caernarfon was asked to assess if it was safe to winch the casualties to safety. Meanwhile, the rope rescue system was established.

The helicopter crew arrived and agreed to winch both of the casualties aboard. Safety advice was given to the two climbers before they headed on their way.

The rescue teams thanked local farmers for their allowing them to access their land.