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Date of Incident

09/08/2025

Country

England

Route

Abseil down Lumbar Puncture

Activity

Trad rock climbing

When

Descending

Injury

No injury

Incident

Group of 3 abseil down Lumbar Puncture from the ab steak at the top. Two ropes joined using back to back overhand knots, well dressed and small. Take off edge was clear of loose debris.
Ropes were unusually difficult to pull (we've been down here before). Needed body weight to move them. Then a block about 2/3 the size of a house brick came over the edge, narrowly missing me, landing about 2m behind.
Ropes were easier after that. I presume the knots had caught on a half buried block and ripped it out, sending it over the edge.

Lessons

Not only check for obviously loose debris on the edge, but what else can the ropes possibly get caught on.

Causes

Falling rock, snow, ice or object

Anonymous?

Yes

Reported By

Participant

Wearing Helmets?

Yes

Rescue Services Involved?

None

Author

10 August 2025 at 08:12:49

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All reports are self-submitted and have not been edited by the BMC in any way, so please keep an open mind regarding the lessons and causes of each incident or near-miss. 

If you have a concern regarding this report please contact us at incidentreports@thebmc.co.uk

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