Three canoeists who attempted to camp on an island in the Lake District during Storm Dave were rescued after their inflatable canoe capsized on Derwentwater. The incident, which occurred just before 3pm on Saturday, triggered a major multi-agency operation involving police, fire, ambulance, mountain rescue, coastguard and a helicopter.
None of the trio were wearing life jackets. One managed to swim to shore, another reached St Herbert's Island, and the third remained stranded in the water. All were brought to safety and did not require hospital treatment.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team also responded to other incidents linked to Storm Dave, including two teenagers whose tent was destroyed by high winds at Sprinkling Tarn, near Seathwaite. The teenagers were found sheltering in a stretcher box on Sty Head, cold but unharmed. A solo camper nearby also needed assistance to descend.
Later that evening, a 54-year-old woman walking the Cumbria Way called for help after her camp in High How's Wood, Grange-over-Sands, was destroyed by gusts. She was escorted to Keswick to find accommodation.
Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team dealt with a young man with a suspected leg fracture at Tarn Crag, Far Easedale, who became hypothermic in the storm. The rescue was hampered by amber wind warnings and heavy rain.
Rescuers emphasised the importance of checking weather forecasts and having proper skills and equipment, particularly during named storms. 'High-altitude camping in a named storm carries extreme risks, not just for the campers, but for the volunteers,' a spokesperson said.
