The three young men left Florencecourt around 4.30pm last Monday heading for Cuilcagh Mountain, by following the Ulster Way but got into trouble as it quickly became dark and the weather deteriorated. 

The three men decided to turn back, but quickly realised that they were lost.

Alarmed, the men called the police, who alerted North West Mountain Rescue Team and at 8pm, the call went out to the team volunteers who were ready to go immediately to help the stricken party. 

A spokesman for the North West Mountain Rescue team (NWMRT) explained that ‘all of them had torches, but only one of them had waterproof clothing on.’

“They all had mobile phones, but the batteries were dead in two of them. The situation was now critical and potentially very dangerous, as they were also very cold.  

The NWMRT officer in charge was able to contact them on the one working phone and he told the party to stay together, to keep warm and to turn off two of their torches to preserve the batteries. 13 local members of NWMRT set off from Enniskillen, and fortunately, despite the difficult conditions, by 10pm the walkers were found by the Fermanagh members of NWMRT,” said the spokesman.

The team then checked the three walker’s condition and warmed them up before they made their way down safely and the entire team was stood down by 10.30pm.

The spokesman for the NWMRT said, 

“Another life-saving operation which thankfully had a successful outcome, but a timely reminder, especially at this time of year, to be well prepared for ANY venture outside, but particularly in remote and hostile environments.”

The NWMRT advise those who are planning on completing Cuilcagh or any other walks are advised to plan the route and check the weather forecast and what time it get dark prior to setting off. 

Walkers are also advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing, have food and drink, a torch and a mobile phone with a spare battery. 

If you do get into trouble, call 112 or 999 and ask for the North West Mountain Rescue team.