Missing walkers found safe by helicopter crew

Apr 9 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

AN RAF helicopter was mobilised to help search for three police workers who became lost in the Northumberland countryside.

The rescue operation was launched at 5.30pm on Monday after the trio became stranded in the Cheviot Hills near Wooler.

Earlier, a fourth member of the party, which had been out walking in the area, had to be transported back to Wooler after suffering a suspected broken arm at about 2pm in the Langleeford area.

The remaining three planned to walk back to their vehicle but at 5.30pm were reported lost.

A full-scale operation was launched involving two mountain rescue teams who called in the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer for help to cover the large search area.

The vehicle was spotted at Langleeford but the Sea King helicopter and crews from Northumber- land National Park and the North of Tyne Search and Rescue Teams (SRT) continued their search for nearly four hours.

At 9.15pm the missing three were finally located by the RAF helicopter crew and airlifted back to their van.

Bill Ellis, team leader of Northumberland National Park SRT, said: “Three walkers were reported lost on Cheviot and at first, information was scarce.

“Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area. However, due to darkness and the potentially large search area, RAF Boulmer was requested to assist.

“As both rescue teams were travelling to the arranged location to meet with local police, the RAF helicopter located the missing individuals and airlifted them back to safety at Langleeford.

“The call-out required a prompt response due to the falling temperatures and also demonstrated close co-operation between mountain rescue teams, the RAF and Northumbria Police.”

A police spokesman would not confirm the jobs of those involved. He said there was no police operation in the area on Monday and added: “Northumbria Police were notified at 7.30pm on Monday, April 7, of three workers who were missing in the Langleeford area.

“Following a search by search and rescue crews and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer, all three were found safe and well at 9.15pm.”