THREE climbers had to send for help from Kerry Mountain Rescue Team volunteers very late on Thursday night when one of them sustained a leg injury while climbing on Carrantuohill in treacherous conditions.
The emergency call was received at 11.30pm Thursday night from the three climbers, one male and two females, who had climbed Howling Ridge.
They were 150m below the summit of Carrantuohill when the male climber sustained a lower leg injury.
The rescue team was put on standby for a full call-out at first light on Friday morning but four team members were dispatched overnight to bring first aid, food and shelter to the group.
The climbers were reached at 3.20am and after an initial assessment, it was decided to assist the group off the mountain. They reached Ard na Locha at 7 o’clock this morning.
The rescue team has to endure very difficult weather conditions throughout the night as it was very cold with snow under foot, strong winds and hail as well as thunder and lightning.
This brings to seven the number of people rescued in four call-outs since St Stephen’s day.
The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team has strongly urged climbers and walkers to consider the current winter conditions and their own abilities before setting out in the mountains.
