Missing Coast-to-Coast Walkers

TUESDAY 24TH MAY 2022 (2107 HOURS)

We were contacted by North Yorkshire Police who reported that two walkers taking part in the Coast to Coast walk had telephoned the Buck Inn, Chop Gate (their intended overnight destination) to report that they were lost between Wain Stones and Chop Gate. Since then telephone contact had proved difficult.

One of our Land Rover crews was deployed to make a quick search of the area around Clay Bank whilst our other Land Rover and Incident Control Vehicle plus all available Team members were deployed towards the RV at Clay Bank car-park.

However, even before the RV was set up, the first Land Rover crew found the missing walkers not far from the car-park. The walkers had just managed to re-contact the Buck Inn and the landlady was on her way to collect them. Although a bit cold, tired and hungry they were otherwise safe and well. We remained with them until they were collected and on their way to the pub.

Many thanks to the Buck Inn staff for promptly contacting the Police and for their subsequent update when contacted by our call-out officer. An early call like this, when people are concerned for overdue walkers, is the right thing to do and makes the search process so much easier.

Twenty-four Team members were involved or en route to the area when the walkers were found, with one other Team member coordinating our initial response from home. The call-out lasted just under 1.5 hours including travelling time back to homes and Base.