Great Wanney

Incident Type: Rescue

Early on Saturday afternoon a walker fell approximately 25m from the top of the Great Wanney onto rocks below the crag. Given the location and the potential seriousness of the walker’s injuries, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Mountain Rescue were immediately requested by the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Volunteer members from North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and ourselves, who were involved in the water safety day at Prudhoe, alongside other members were swiftly deployed.

On arrival at the crag, the GNAAS team were treating the injured walker and a HM Coastguard helicopter had been requested due to the incredibly difficult terrain for a stretcher evacuation. Plan A would be a winch out by the helicopter, Plan B a lower to the base of the crag and boulder field using a technical rope rescue system.

Thankfully the search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was able to attend and landed at the base of the crag for the winch-paramedic to be briefed, before scrambling up to the incident site. By shortly after 15.00hrs the injured walker was on board the helicopter and being flown to hospital.

We wish the walker well for a swift and full recovery after their very unfortunate accident.

The incident involved 23 Team members for 2 hours 54 minutes.