Seriously hurt climber saved in 11-hour rescue

A seriously injured climber was airlifted to hospital after an "heroic" 11-hour rescue, a mountain rescue team has said.

Volunteers were called out to help on Scafell Pike in the Lake District just before 15:00 GMT on Monday.

The man was suspended on a rope below his companion after a large fall and was unable to communicate, Wasdale Mountain Rescue (MRT) said.

Help was requested from the Coastguard helicopter, and the air ambulance also assisted in what the MRT called a "hugely challenging technical rescue".

The second climber was not hurt and was still secure on the crag, but urgently needed assistance, the MRT said.

"We don't normally use superlatives but, with some truly amazing and heroic flying skills and teamwork, they managed to both access and then safely winch the climber directly into the helicopter from his suspended position on the end of the rope," it said.

"A transfer to Helimed 58 was then completed to allow advanced medical care to be given, before then flying to a suitable hospital."

The MRT said the rescue of the second climber took place on "one of the most inaccessible points" in the area and in very cold and windy conditions.

"After de-rigging, the long walk down to Brackenclose was completed safely and the climber re-united with awaiting family members," it said.

The rescue was completed just before 02:00 GMT on Tuesday.

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