Major operation launched to rescue youngsters trapped in notorious Eryri slate mine

[Wayland Smith]

CRTT again!
Two youngsters ended up trapped in a notorious Eryri slate mine as rescuers took part in a six-hour operation to rescue them. Emergency services were called to the Croesor-Rhosydd slate mine near Blaenau Ffestiniog after the pair became trapped underground on Sunday.

Youngsters get trapped in notorious Eryri slate mine as major rescue launched

One of the trapped pair had fallen into the deep water within the Croesor-Rhosydd slate mine

www.dailypost.co.uk

Also,

Rescue operation as youngsters become trapped underground

Three people had entered the mine, but two became trapped on each side of a flooded chamber. One of the trapped pair had also fallen into deep water within the mine

www.walesonline.co.uk

 

[Stones]

Official NWCRO statement if people can't be bothered reading the links with pop up adds.

CALL-OUT

At 16:54 on Sunday 22 September 2024, North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation (NWCRO) were requested by Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) to assist with an incident in a mine near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Eryri (Snowdonia). After some initial investigation, the team determined the incident was at the Croesor-Rhosydd slate mine (a regular call-out location for the team) which requires appropriate caving experience, equipment and the ability to both ascend and descend ropes. One person exited the mine and called 999, reporting that two young persons were trapped underground, one each side of a flooded chamber. One had fallen into deep water. NWCRO team members were called out and attended from as far afield as Chester and Holyhead, some attending directly from the UK national caving conference at Llangollen.

An advance party was dispatched to find the two individuals left underground and establish their condition. When found, they were given hot drinks and warm dry clothing before technical ropework was used to bring them to a safe location. When additional team members made contact with the advance party, the two individuals were assisted out of the mine and handed over to AMRT.

While the underground rescue was taking place, there was concern for the person who had made the 999 call being alone on high ground in deteriorating weather and falling light. An AMRT party found and escorted them back to the rendezvous point where the teams were assembled.

Close cooperation with AMRT was maintained throughout what was effectively a joint operation. Our involvement in the incident lasted approximately 6.5 hours and involved 17 NWCRO team members, totalling in excess of 150 team hours, plus the substantial commitment from AMRT who provided surface communications and transportation. In addition, the incident was supported by the presence of Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST).

North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation and Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team are volunteer charitable organisations funded mainly by public donations. Both teams are members of the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association.

You can donate to support North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation at https://www.paypal.com/GB/fundraiser/charity/3130247

 

[bagpuss]

Saw this pop up on you tube

video from those rescued.

 

[cavemanmike]

It’s almost a nwcro pro mo 😂😂😂😂

 

[Space Doubt Caver]

Saw this pop up on you tube

video from those rescued.

good video, the boat has always been a bit sketchy, they got quite far, things just happen sometimes, at least they all got out safely

 

[cavemanmike]

NEVER know the Canadian canoe to let me down and we usually get 3 in it. Drama

 

[mrodoc]

I realised if I want people to see my Youtube videos I need to give them more sensational titles!

 

[Guido]

NEVER know the Canadian canoe to let me down and we usually get 3 in it. Drama

It takes a bit of time to bail it out but then it is stable and remains dry and you can easily get two or three in.

 

[Babyhagrid]

The record I've seen is 5 in it. But it was floating quite low at that point.

 

[Guido]

The exit through Rhosydd has little bits of reflective tape at all the key junctions marking the way out. It takes the route finding and a bit of the adventure out of it but perhaps it will save some call outs. Personally preferred it without but can see how rescuers might welcome it after recent events.

 

[Guido]

The record I've seen is 5 in it. But it was floating quite low at that point.

I don't like anyone enough to be that close to them down there!

 

[ChrisJC]

Not being able to exit from Rhosydd is disappointing. You don't need to climb the quarry, and it's only 30 mins tops from the Croesor Rhosydd boundary to the exit from the 9 adit. Then 30 mins to raise the alarm from there.

Stuff going wrong is fine - it happens to everybody. But being unable to deal with it effectively is less good.

Chris.

 

[Guido]

Not being able to exit from Rhosydd is disappointing. You don't need to climb the quarry, and it's only 30 mins tops from the Croesor Rhosydd boundary to the exit from the 9 adit. Then 30 mins to raise the alarm from there.

Stuff going wrong is fine - it happens to everybody. But being unable to deal with it effectively is less good.

Chris.

I would say 30 minutes to get out is optimistic unless you know the way but seeing as it now has reflective tape marking the way out it should be easy for anyone.

 

[ChrisJC]

I am assuming you know the way! As all leaders ought to (or if not, it's an exploration trip where retracting steps is always an option)

Chris.

 

[Guido]

I am assuming you know the way! As all leaders ought to (or if not, it's an exploration trip where retracting steps is always an option)

Chris.

I was disappointed to see the tape the last time through, it detracts from the experience and it appears doesn't seem to help some people.

 

[cavemanmike]

I almost took the tape out with me last time I was in there ( about a month ago) . People shouldn’t be going in there if they’re not experienced enough. I doesn’t help that it’s explained on another forum as snakes and ladders underground. Don’t get me wrong I’ve climbed a lot longer than I’ve caved and you need a different skill set. Nearly All the recent call-outs have been climbers, it’s embarrassing

 

[FabianE]

Having watched the video their equipment leaves something to be desired...
It's not possible to ascertain the rest of their gear but seems as though it was all geared towards abseils only... No way of prussiking up again.
Slings for cows tails also questionable and a fall could've caused some big problems.
Thankfully a positive outcome.