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Incident
Two climbers (names unknown) abseiled in to Trevellen cliff at Pembrokeshire to approach a climbing route. They were unable to climb back out (easiest route out is E1) and did not have the knowledge, skills or suitable equipment to prusik back out. They were recovered by the coastguard cliff rescue team.
Lessons
When approaching a sea cliff by abseil and there is no other way out other than by climbing all members of the party should have basic prusiking equipment (or the knowledge of how to improvise climbing equipment to do so) and the ability to climb back up the rope. It should be a basic skill that is practiced and prepared for before committing to an abseil to a sea cliff. In this case it resulted in an (avoidable) call out of a rescue team and associated rescue services.
Activity
Trad rock climbing
When
Descending
Injury
None
Causes
Inadequate equipment, clothing or footwear, Inexperience, Route Selection
Anonymous?
Yes
Reported By
Observer
Wearing Helmets?
Yes
Rescue Services Involved?
St Govan's and Tenby Coastguard Cliff rescue team
Author
11 February 2020 at 16:20:54
For more advice and guidance on good practices visit BMC skills
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.