Updated 5.55pm
A GROUP OF about 70 people – including a number of teenagers – were rescued off the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland this afternoon.
A major emergency operation got underway today when reports that 63 youngsters aged between 12-17 years old and 10 adults got into difficulty on the mountains.
It’s understood the group were army cadets from England on adventure training.
Most were able to walk down from the mountain to safety, but it’s understood up to 20 people required stretcher evacuation as they were suffering from exposure and hypothermia.
It’s understood that all casualties have been accounted for and everyone is believed to be out of immediate danger.
Inclement weather
The PSNI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service first alerted the UK Coastguard of the incident just before 12pm today requesting assistance after receiving several reports that the group were in difficulty after they were caught out in inclement weather.
“Initial reports suggest that all members of the group are accounted for, however, four people may be suffering from exposure,” the statement said.
Coastguards, mountain rescue teams, ambulance and police services all attended the scene.
Three helicopters were also in attendance at Donard Park due to the poor weather conditions. The Irish Coastguard Rescue 116 helicopter was also in attendance today.
Additional reporting Christina Finn
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