Big night time rescue operation by Tipperary SEMRA rescues walker off Galtee mountains

A major search operation occurred yesterday for a missing walker who was reported missing just before 4pm in the Scaragh Wood area of the Galtees in Tipperary.

South East Mountain Rescue (SEMRA) members started arriving on scene at 16:30 with An Garda Síochána also on scene.

As darkness fell, the search continued and neighbours, family and friends of the walker joined the search. SEMRA set up incident command on site to co'ordinate the search.

Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was deployed and carried out a search over open land but were unable to pinpoint the location of the walker.

Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) teams lead by Winnie with dog Flame, Mick with dog Ziggy, and Martina with dog Ella joined the search as it continued well into the night.

The search continued over forest trails, open hillside, through the wooded areas and along streams. Plans were being made for continuing the search today with team members making their way back to incident command. Although the night was clear and dry, temperatures were low.

Eventually, to the relief of everyone, shortly after 11pm the walker was found safe and well by locals including a number of people on quads, that had been searching tirelessly. Team members including SARDA teams who were still searching streams in the darkness were stood down as the good news came through.

All team members were down off the hill shortly after 12am. A positive outcome for a challenging search. Thank you to all involved and we wish the walker well.