Aonach Eagach rises above Glen Coe. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Three mountaineers have died in an incident on Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe.
Their bodies were discovered by rescuers after they failed to return from an outing on the ridge on Saturday.
Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service were joined by the Inverness Coastguard helicopter after the alarm was raised shortly before nightfall.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a group of three hillwalkers who had not returned from the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glen Coe shortly after 9.05pm on Saturday.
“A search was carried out and the bodies of three people were found. HM Coastguard as well as Glencoe and RAF mountain rescue teams assisted with the recovery operation.
“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
The bodies of a woman and two men were recovered from the ridge, with the Prestwick Coastguard helicopter assisting in operations on Sunday.
The ridge of Aonach Eagach, running along the north edge of Glen Coe, is considered one of the most challenging scrambling routes in Scotland with few opportunities to escape once a traverse has begun. It includes the munros Sgùrr nam Fiannaidh and Meall Dearg.
Paul
08 August 2023When the rain came in I would have tied myself to the rock on the leeside and sat it out in a bothy bag.
Jock
09 August 2023This report gives no hint as to how the incident occurred including weather conditions at the time. Therfore securing oneself when "the rain came in" seems to be jumping to a conclusion unless you (Paul) were there at the time.
Peter
09 August 2023Three people died, Paul.
Lloyd
11 August 2023Come on people Jock, PETER! there is nothing wrong with making a suggestion, I would have tried to do the same thing in Pauls scenario, YES we don't know the circumstances, but a little advice to give situational awareness and stop others from making a critical mistake might go a long way, Let's try not to be so critical from behind your little screens and actually support each other as hikers and mountaineers instead of small minded sniping!! Maybe Pauls advice saves a life in the future. Our hearts go out to the families.
Stuart
03 September 2023+1 for what Lloyds says.