Dartmoor walker with no map, compass, torch or whistle requires rescue
The team were called at 19:04 this evening by Devon and Cornwall Police to search for a lost walker in the Pupers Hill area of South Dartmoor.
A rapid response from our volunteers meant we had teams out on the moor by 19:40 and the casualty was found safe and well by our volunteers at 20:10.
The individual had left his car at Ludgate for a walk on the moor at 4pm this afternoon. Unfortunately he had no map or compass and as visibility and daylight soon deteriorated, he soon became lost and disorientated. He also had no whistle or torch, essential safety equipment when walking on the moor, so could not signal his location to rescuers.
As weather conditions was good with light winds, our members homed in on the area he was suspected to be in, found him and escorted him off the moor and to his car.
Our duty team Search manager said “Fortunately the gent had a mobile phone which meant we could talk with him and get a good idea of his location before sending out foot teams to escort him off the moor. We recommend that walkers always take a map and compass, and know how to use them, along with essential safety equipment such as a whistle and torch on Dartmoor walks. They don’t weigh much but can make all the difference if you are delayed and find yourself out on the open moor after dark enabling you to find your way or to signal rescuers”.
Safe to say he is a lot wiser now and has learnt a valuable lesson in being properly equipped. We wish him well.
Press Articles
Grough Online: http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2016/01/19/take-a-torch-map-and-compass-say-rescuers-after-dartmoor-walker-gets-lost
Herald Express: http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Dartmoor-rescue-teams-scrambled-missing-man/story-28559598-detail/story.html