Man 'fortunate to survive' after getting lost on Scafell Pike for nearly 24 hours
He was found with hypothermia and knee, leg and foot injuries
Mountain rescuers say a man was 'very, very fortunate to survive' after getting lost in freezing weather on Scafell Pike for nearly 24 hours.
The mammoth effort to find him involved more than 70 rescuers from nine teams, five search dogs and two drones.
The lone walker reported being lost just before 6:30pm on Monday 20 February - he said he was on the ridge between Scafell Pike and Great End in the Lake District.
Two rescue teams and search dogs were involved in trying to find him in wet, misty and freezing conditions, but they had to call it off in the early hours of the morning.
It continued at first light and he was eventually found at around 2:30pm on Tuesday 21 February on the East Bank of Piers Gill.
He was stretchered off the hill and taken to hospital with hypothermia and knee, leg and foot injuries.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said:
"We rarely comment on a rescue, but in this case, we would like to say he was very, very fortunate to have survived his ordeal.
"We also have to say that google maps on smart phones are not suitable for navigating on the hills, they lack detail and of course will not work with a flat battery. There is no substitute for a map and compass and being able to use them. They can save one's life.
"There were over 70 rescuers from 9 teams involved along with search dogs and team drones.
"The team wishes to thank the incredible support provided from all the teams that were involved from across Cumbria and from adjacent regions. Also the willingness of both the Helimed and Coastguard helicopter to respond, but prevented by the bad weather."
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