A stranded Brit has been rescued on top of Ben Nevis by marines on a training exercise.
The weather was severe at the top of the UK’s highest mountain during the life-saving operation.
It took place as Dutch Navy reservists carried out mountain training with the British Royal Marine Reserves in the Scottish Highlands..
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The Dutch MoD said there was “wind force 8” with “visibility of only about one metre” during the knife-edge rescue on Friday (23 Jan).
In the fog, snow, and wind, they caught sight of a person’s shadow.
It turned out to be an exhausted and confused man with severe leg cramps, which made it impossible for him to descend on his own.
He also appeared hypothermic and disorientated, and had no map or compass.
The reservists of the Netherlands Marine Corps then built a makeshift stretcher on the spot using a waterproof sleeping bag cover, ropes, a mat, and a thick coat – items they always carry during exercises.
They gave the man food and water and carried him down the snowy mountain, which is 1,345 metres (4,413 ft) high.
The man was able to walk independently again once they got below the snowline, the MoD said.
Just to be safe, the marines left him in the care of the local police.
Marine Corps Sergeant Onno Lankhaar said the man was very lucky.
“If we hadn’t seen him, he certainly wouldn’t have made it,” he stated.
The rescue occurred during mountain training with the British Royal Marine Reserves, as reported by Need To Know.
During this exercise, marines learn how to navigate and move in mountainous terrain.
They also practice evacuating wounded personnel, which proved very useful on top of Ben Nevis, in Lochebar, Scotland, last Friday.
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