The team were alerted by North Yorkshire Police to a possible overdue caving party in Alum Pot. Following initial enquiries by our group of Duty Controllers it was ascertained that the party had actually got back to the surface, safe and well and had just been a little over their callout time. The team were stood down.
In this case a very experienced, and well equipped party had made all the appropriate and necessary provisions in case of the need for a rescue. Their designated callout person had done exactly the right thing. In this instance all was well, but had it have been otherwise we would have been quickly alerted and able to respond. Remember – if you are going caving (or indeed any other form of outdoor activity), always let someone know where you are going, what time you are likely to be ‘off the hill’ safely, and what time they should call the Rescue Team out if they haven’t heard from you (always remember to let them know you’re safe – don’t just go to the pub!).
Volunteer hours 1