Callout 24/2023 Ryders Hill 20:00 30th September 2023
The team were called out just after 8pm on Saturday evening to look for a lost walker who was thought to be somewhere between Dunnabridge/Bellever Tor in the north and Holne Moor and Ryders Hill in the south and is an area in excess of 20 square kilometres.
In addition to the size of the area, the low visibility, wind and rain made for challenging searching conditions. As the search continued late into the night an on into Sunday morning we became increasing concerned for the ongoing welfare for the missing individual.
Our search teams were supplemented by a number of Devon & Cornwall Police officers. We were also supported by our sister teams from Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Tavistock, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and 3 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England teams (Paula & Amber, Chris & Binny, Jenny & Angus) and their navigators. Two Coastguard search teams were also in attendance. The Devon & Cornwall Police drone team were also deployed.
Shortly before 7am the missing walker was located by a team from North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team in the southern part of the search area. After being assessed they was found to be fit enough to escort off the moor and was then handed over to the full time emergency services. This large multi-agency search lasted for over 10 hours and involved in excess of 60 individuals from 7 organisations. We are pleased that it resulted in such a great outcome.