Extensive searches have taken placed on Ben Nevis
Rescuers from across Scotland joined the continuing operation to try to find two climbers who have been missing on Britain’s highest mountain for two weeks.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team members were supported by four other teams and search dogs in the operation on the North Face of Ben Nevis this weekend.
Cairngorm, Dundonnell, Oban and Skye Mountain Rescue Teams took part in a sweep of the mountain’s climbing areas, looking for Rachel Slater and Tim Newton of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
The couple camped behind the Charles Inglis Clark Memorial Hut during Valentine’s Day weekend but have not been seen since.
A Lochaber MRT spokesperson said: “A lot of time was spent searching and probing avalanche debris in various locations.
“Cairngorm had a metal detector. Some of the team climbed Tower Ridge and looked into the top of some of climbs on the East Flank. The three Search and Rescue Dogs Association South Scotland dogs covered a lot of ground and supported teams when probing to see if any scent was released.
Rachel Slater and Tim Newton have not been for two weeks
“Ben Nevis was stunning with lots of climbers with most of the classic routes getting a lot of traffic.
“Rachel’s family have been overwhelmed by the response and the kind thoughts posted from all over the world and are very grateful. They were able to see the effort going into search first hand.”
Anyone with information that might be helpful in the search for Ms Slater and Mr Newton can post details on the Lochaber MRT Facebook page.
Laura Worsley
28 February 2016So many of us have been praying and watching all news of these two young climbers. Conditions have been so hostile but the will and spirit of all those searching and putting their own lives at risk shows how magnificent the climbing community snd the Lochaber Search & Rescue members are. To the families, we send our continued hopes and best wishes.
Maxine Bailiss
29 February 2016Princess Diana's death, the 2 girls in the red football shirts, the elephant kicked and kicked, the dentist who shot the lion dead for his own kicks and the twin towers have all made me feel so sick and sad and now this knowing Tim's father its heartbreaking. I want a happy ending, please find them soon just hungry and cold.
Zoey sturgeon
29 February 2016I have been keeping up with the news daily hoping for some good news about the couple. I so hope they are found safe and their families are reunited with them soon. I have everything crossed for them.keep up the faith.best wishes to friends and family
Vikki
29 February 2016R.I.p
Geraldine
01 March 2016Thinking and praying for the families with Mothers Day on Sunday, I hope they find them soon for friends (Maria & Liam) and family to continue climbing on with life.
To the mountain rescue keep looking but keep safe!
Scooby-Doo
01 March 2016Like everyone else I'm following this every day. This could be any of us, just as it could every time someone is missing. Doesn't matter how prepared we are, accidents can happen and nature can do its worst. Praying for an end to the nightmare for friends and family, and not enough words could thank the MRT teams involved