Hypothermic hikers rescued by Sligo-Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team

The Sligo-Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team (SLMRT) were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist four people who became disoriented on Benbulben Mountain on Monday, June 9.

In a statement on Facebook, the team explained that the Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also dispatched but couldn't reach the casualties due to low cloud cover and poor visibility. 

The SLMRT and Rescue 118 were deployed to the mountainside shortly before 3pm.

SLMRT responders were flown by Rescue 118 from the roadside at Cashelgarron as close as possible to the group’s location, then continued on foot to reach them. 

READ NEXT: Drumshanbo woman to represent Leitrim in Miss Ireland final

They located the four individuals around 4pm, assessed them for onset hypothermia, and provided treatment. 

An emergency shelter was set up to warm the hikers before they were escorted down the mountain to the waiting helicopter crew.

It's understood that the four individuals had travelled to Sligo earlier that day.

The rescue team has urged hikers to check weather conditions before setting out, noting that mountain weather can deteriorate much more rapidly than in lower-lying areas.

READ NEXT: Progress update on expansion bringing 140 jobs to Leitrim hotel