Ben Nevis climber plunges 1,000ft to death as 17 people rescued

A 28-year-old climber has died after falling 1,000ft to his death during the descent of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

17 other people also required rescuing due to “ferocious conditions” on the west side of the mountain.

12 of the people that needed rescuing were soldiers who were part of the initial rescue mission launched to save the climbers.

A total of 40 rescuers and two coastguard helicopters raced to the scene overall in what turned out to be an eight-hour operation.

The young man was pronounced dead on the mountain and two other members of his group were taken to hospital.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team shared images of other rescues on the mountain this week
Brodie Hood

"The conditions were classic Alpine conditions – springlike in the glen but above the snow line everything is solid and an ice axe and crampons are essential and knowing how to use them," said Donald Paterson, deputy team leader of Lochaber MRT.

He continued: "But this chap had fallen conservatively about 300 metres (984ft). Then others went to help him and they too ended up in trouble. One had a broken ankle and another multiple abrasions.

"As the night wore the conditions got worse. Members of the party could have been better prepared for the conditions. We would like to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends."

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team attending to an incident
Brodie Hood

Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe MRT, has warned the snow-covered fields "are glazed over with ice and are quite lethal".

"One slip and you will go a long way’, he said. "The conditions last night were very difficult – as well as the ice there were very strong winds and rain. The helicopters did an amazing job."

The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team have revealed three climbers have died since Saturday due to ‘alpine’ conditions.

A Facebook post said: "The past five days has been especially busy for the team. Since Saturday we’ve had 12 callouts and recovered 26 casualties.

"Unfortunately three of these shouts resulted in fatalities and we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolence to the friends and family of those involved at this difficult time."

The rescue team stressed the importance of being adequately prepared for winter in the mountains and that those venturing the hills must have the ability to "navigate with map and compass" and "competently use crampons and axe".

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency released a statement saying: "At approx. 2.30pm today and at the request of Police Scotland, HM Coastguard sent the search and rescue helicopter from Inverness to assist Police Scotland following a report of an incident involving a casualty requiring medical attention at Ben Nevis, Scotland.

"While on scene, the Inverness helicopter requested further support, leading to the coastguard helicopter from Prestwick also being sent to assist along with Mountain Rescue Teams who are helping in this ongoing multi-agency response."