Marines Rescue Hiker ‘with Icicles Clinging to His Face’ on Ben Nevis
A dramatic mountain rescue unfolded on the slopes of Ben Nevis when a squad of Royal and Dutch Marines, conducting a training exercise, stumbled upon a hiker in severe distress. The climber was discovered curled up in the snow, with alarming icicles clinging to the hair on his face, hat, and gloves, indicating prolonged exposure to freezing conditions.
Chance Encounter Saves Life in Subzero Storm
The rescue occurred on Saturday, January 24, near the summit of the UK's highest peak. The Royal Marine Reserves (RMR) Scotland and the Dutch Korps Mariniers were participating in Exercise Highland Warrior, a mountain-training package, when they encountered the struggling individual. The hiker had become separated from his two friends as a blizzard raged and temperatures plummeted dangerously.
Colour Sergeant McKenzie from the RMR described the scene: "Solid blocks of ice clung to his eyebrows, hat, and gloves – evidence of long exposure to freezing conditions. One walking pole was bent; the other appeared broken or fully collapsed. When spoken to, he revealed that he had become separated from his two friends and had no idea where they were."
Perilous Conditions and Deteriorating Health
The marines faced extreme weather, with biting winds estimated at 40 mph and wind chill temperatures between –15°C and –20°C. The hiker, lacking crampons, slipped on the icy slope, and his condition worsened rapidly. As the group assisted him down, his coordination faltered, and he reported being unable to bend his leg, clear signs of advancing hypothermia.
C/Sgt McKenzie noted: "His posture sagged, his coordination faltered, and his responses slowed. Then he said he couldn’t bend his leg, a clear sign that cold, exhaustion, and exposure were now affecting his physical functions. He was entering hypothermia, and it was obvious he would not be walking in the immediate future."
Improvised Stretcher and Teamwork Prove Crucial
Using standard equipment from their exercise, including a waterproof bivvy sack, ropes, a mat, and a thick jacket, the marines ingeniously crafted a makeshift stretcher. This allowed them to safely transport the casualty down the mountain. Sergeant Onno Lankhaar, section commander for the Dutch marines, emphasised the gravity of the situation: "If we hadn’t seen him, he certainly would not have survived."
Once the group reached the snowline, the hiker had recovered sufficiently to walk independently and was handed over to emergency services as a precaution. His two companions had already made their way safely down the mountain.
Training and Preparedness Lauded
C/Sgt McKenzie praised the training that enabled the effective response: "A major reason we were able to respond as effectively as we did was the excellent training delivered by Sergeant Rich Ely and Major Matt O’Toole in the days leading up to this event. The skills, drills and preparation they reinforced during the week directly enabled us to deal with the situation confidently and safely when it mattered."
He also expressed gratitude for the collaboration: "It was not only a privilege to be invited by the Dutch to join them on their bucket-list climb of Ben Nevis, but also an absolute pleasure to work alongside them throughout the day."
This incident underscores the vital importance of proper preparation and equipment when tackling the UK's highest peaks, especially during winter months. The timely intervention by the marines highlights how military training can have life-saving applications in civilian emergencies.
