Dartmoor search and rescue team save stranded backpacker in blizzard

A Dartmoor search and rescue team responded to an emergency on Yes Tor on 21 November after a backpacker became stranded in severe weather conditions. 

The North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team were called out at 11.04am to assist the individual, who was caught in worsening ground conditions and a blizzard.

The camper had become disoriented in the low cloud and snowstorm, which created zero visibility and extremely deep snow drifts on Dartmoor’s rugged terrain.

Team members from Okehampton retrieved a Land Rover fitted with snow chains and drove as close to Yes Tor as possible.

However, the vehicle could not continue past West Mill Tor due to snow drifts, some up to five feet deep. 

The rescuers completed the journey on foot.

The camper was located at the summit of Yes Tor and safely escorted back to the Land Rover before being returned to Okehampton.

Although well-equipped for their trek, the camper was unable to proceed safely in the extreme weather and made the correct decision to call for help.

The rescue team returned to their base and were stood down at 1.53pm.