Rescuers at the scene on Derwent Water. Photo: Keswick MRT

A group of paddlers who got into difficulties in the Lake District attracted rescuers’ attention with the light from a phone.

Four men were rescued from Derwent Water after three of them capsized on Thursday.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team joined fire and rescue crews, the Coastguard, Maryport Inshore Rescue, police and a British Association for Immediate Care doctor at the scene.

The emergency services were alerted by a photographer on the shore who witnessed the incident.

Keswick MRT was called out shortly before 6pm.

A team spokesperson said the four kayaker set off from Kettlewell car park towards the southern end of the lake, with the intention of camping overnight on St Herbert’s Island.

“One capsized and two others were put into difficulty trying to rescue him,” the spokesperson said. “A photographer on the shore fortunately witnessed the events before the impending darkness and alerted emergency services.

“Keswick MRT launched their rescue boat from Keswick boat landings and another from Derwentwater Marina in Portinscale. The three in the water were found very cold but conscious thanks to them waving a phone light and shouting – it was dark by this time.

“They were recovered from the water, very cold in limited clothing and brought to shore. Meantime the location of the fourth member of the party on St Herbert’s Island was pinpointed using PhoneFind and he was then recovered safely by the fire and rescue boat.

“Once all four were accounted for the Coastguard helicopter that was en route to help the search was stood down. All were delivered to the ambulance service for onward care.”

The rescue lasted almost 2¼ hours and involved 19 Keswick MRT volunteers along with other emergency service staff.

Rescuers treat the injured walker in an emergency shelter on Cat Bells. Photo: Keswick MRT

The Keswick team had earlier that day gone to the aid of a walker who fell on Cat Bells, overlooking Derwent Water.

Rescuers were called out at 2.55pm when the woman suffered cuts to her face and a suspected broken thumb when she fell several metres near the summit of the hill.

A team doctor and paramedic treated the walker at the scene.

The spokesperson said: “Although shaken by the experience she was able to walk off with assistance, and then taken by her family to Carlisle hospital for further checks.”

The incident lasted 1¾ hours and involved 17 Keswick MRT members.