AN 18-YEAR-OLD hillwalker is recovering after his rescue from the Dartry mountain range in Sligo by the Irish Coast Guard Sikorksy helicopter.
The man was part of a group walking in the Dartry mountains in Sligo south of Kinlough earlier this week. The alert was raised by Sligo Mountain Rescue when it was reported that the young man had got caught on a sheer and partly crumbling cliff-face and was unable to move.
The helicopter crew of Capt Martin Wood, co-pilot Denis Thornton, winch operator Gavin Playle and winchman Darren Torpey had to make several attempts to reach him, due to the hazardous nature of the terrain and the downdraught caused by the aircraft.
Mr Playle said that the helicopter ascended above the cliff face on the second attempt, and winchman Torpey was able to reach the man.
He was very wet and cold and close to hypothermia, but was in good health when returned to Sligo airport where he was taken by ambulance for medical checking.
