The wife of an experienced hiker has been left in anguish after receiving a final, chilling text message from her husband as a ferocious storm engulfed him on the slopes of Ben Nevis.
Tom Brown, 64, from Lancaster, sent the message to his wife, Margaret, on Tuesday afternoon, stating simply: "Terrible weather. Very windy. Love you." It was the last communication anyone had with him.
Despite being a seasoned walker equipped with winter gear, Mr. Brown failed to return from his solo ascent of the UK's highest peak. His disappearance prompted a major overnight search and rescue operation led by the dedicated volunteers of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
Desperate Overnight Search in Treacherous Conditions
Rescue teams, including an HM Coastguard helicopter, battled horrendous conditions through the night in a desperate attempt to locate Mr. Brown. The search was focused on the mountain's treacherous Red Burn and Nevis Gorge areas.
"The weather on the hill was atrocious," a spokesperson for the rescue team stated, highlighting the severe winds and poor visibility that hampered efforts.
Despite a brief respite in the weather allowing for aerial searches at first light, the operation has so far yielded no sign of the missing man. The search was ongoing at the time of reporting.
A Community Holds Its Breath
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly and unpredictable nature of Britain's mountains, even for those who are well-prepared. The community and fellow hikers are now holding their breath, hoping for Mr. Brown's safe return.
Police Scotland have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, particularly any walkers who may have seen Mr. Brown on the mountain that fateful day.
