Mountain Rescue Duo Saved from Scafell Pike Then Flee Without Paying Hotel Bill
Mountain rescue volunteers have issued a heartfelt plea to two young men who were saved from England's highest peak in perilous conditions, only to depart without settling their accommodation costs and taking equipment belonging to the rescue team. The incident has ignited considerable frustration among both rescuers and the local community, highlighting concerns about responsibility and gratitude in emergency situations.
Treacherous Seven-Hour Rescue Operation
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team launched a demanding seven-hour operation to extract the two individuals from Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 metres (3,209 feet) in the Lake District. The rescue took place in what were described as "treacherous" and freezing conditions, with temperatures plummeting to around -10°C. The team worked tirelessly through the night, eventually bringing the walkers to safety at approximately 2am on December 29th.
One of the rescued men was notably using a hospital crutch during the ascent, an unusual choice for mountain climbing, particularly in such severe weather. The crutch was subsequently left behind with the rescuers, adding to the peculiar circumstances of the event.
Hotel Hospitality Met with Disappointment
Following their descent, the nearby Wasdale Head Inn provided the pair with a room at a discounted rate of £130. Despite initially agreeing to pay, the young men later claimed their money was stored in a tent located high on the fell. They departed without settling the bill and also took two torches belonging to the mountain rescue team, which are funded through public donations.
Richard Warren of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team expressed profound disappointment, stating, "We are really, really disappointed with the two lads. We want to reinforce our message that we don't judge, but we do just want a thank you and a return of the torches. We got them off safely, they are alive, let's hope they learned a lesson and come back to us."
Lack of Gratitude and Further Demands
Steve Walker, the 42-year-old bar manager at the Wasdale Head Inn, recounted the evening's events with a mix of concern and frustration. He provided the cold and exhausted walkers with hot chocolate and other warm drinks upon their arrival around 1:30am, even covering the cost himself. However, the pair reportedly never expressed thanks and instead continued to request additional free items, including breakfast and transportation to the nearest train station.
Walker noted, "Not once did they say thank you but instead kept asking for more free things. I get that they were cold but a thank you goes a long way." He also mentioned that the individuals were vague about their backgrounds, claiming to be originally from Morocco but living in London or the southeast of England, which raised suspicions.
Community Outpouring and Generous Donations
In the wake of the incident, the local community and supporters from further afield have responded with a mixture of anger and generosity. Numerous donations have poured in from the United States, Australia, and across Europe, with more than £5,000 contributed to the rescue volunteers. One particularly generous donor insisted on covering the £130 hotel bill, although the inn's owner, Nigel Burton, emphasised that the rescuers were not obligated to reimburse the amount.
Burton added a personal note, highlighting that one of the rescue team members had ventured out on his birthday, and a simple thank you would have been deeply appreciated. The incident has sparked broader discussions about personal responsibility in outdoor activities, with locals expressing strong views on social media.
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The story has resonated widely, prompting calls for greater accountability among those who engage in risky mountain activities. Elaine Warden commented online, "They should be named and shamed on national television. Repulsive pair. Must have been dragged up with no morals of what is right or wrong." Similarly, Rachel Pocklington suggested, "All walkers that take risks having been warned should pay for emergency services," while Alice Mudd advocated for fines for irresponsible behaviour on the fells.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the vital role played by mountain rescue teams, who operate largely on donations and volunteer efforts. It underscores the importance of preparedness, respect, and gratitude in wilderness settings, where lives often depend on the selfless actions of others.
