202 Squadron - Search and Rescue

[Gully]

Whilst in the Lake District over the weekend, I got to see 202 Squadron in action on Blencathra on Sunday. Thankfully, not for an incident involving me (!), but by the looks of it, some poor soul got into difficulties on Sharp Edge and either fell, or got stuck trying to retreat via a non-viable route. I've included some photos I took during my ascent of Sharp Edge about half an hour before the rescue unfolded and a couple of 202 Sqn doing their stuff. Apologies for the slightly blurred helicopter images - it was rather windy for full zoom on a compact!!

Setting the scene...

Sharp Edge from below


Looking along the crest


Scrambling


Rescue Helicopter appears


Rescue in progress (just prior to the winchman descending)


The summit view, sadly missed out on by someone


The helicopter disappeared off towards Carlisle General, but there's nothing on any of the news websites to say how the rescuee is, which knowing the press suggests they are okay! Fingers crossed.

Gully

[Mayfly]

nice pics Gully - have great respect for all the rescue services - its what i would do if I had my time again

[Xplumberlives]

nice pics Gully - have great respect for all the rescue services - its what i would do if I had my time again

I don't think they need to carry a THWACKING stick when rescuing people!

[Saracenman]

i dunno XPL - some of the TWATS that go climbing wearing trainers and a tee-shirt...........

cracking pics Gully - ta muchly

those SAR chaps/chapesses certainly earn their keep - some of the most incredible flying to be seen anywhere

sm

[Mayfly]

=))

i dunno XPL - some of the TWATS that go climbing wearing trainers and a tee-shirt...........

cracking pics Gully - ta muchly

those SAR chaps/chapesses certainly earn their keep - some of the most incredible flying to be seen anywhere

sm

pleased you have an understanding of why I NEED a stick SM

[Saracenman]

but my mountaineering days are a distant memory Mayfly!