Four hikers were rescued from Benbulbin mountain in County Sligo on Sunday after becoming disoriented near the summit due to worsening weather. The Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team (SLMRT) was called in by Gardaí to assist, with support from the Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter.
Low cloud and poor visibility prevented the helicopter from reaching the group directly. Instead, rescue personnel were airlifted partway and continued on foot to reach the stranded hikers, who were showing early signs of hypothermia.
Rescue teams provided emergency shelter to warm the individuals before escorting them off the mountain. All four were handed over to the Coast Guard for further medical assessment. No serious injuries were reported.
SLMRT has urged the public to always check weather forecasts and wear suitable clothing when hiking in mountainous areas, warning that conditions can deteriorate much faster than in lowland regions.
