A multi-agency search and rescue operation was carried out this weekend after a hiker got into difficulty in the Donegal mountains.

The incident came on Friday evening, with Donegal Mountain Rescue tasked by the National Ambulance Service to assist a person who had slipped.

The person had sustained a lower leg injury on Errigal, with the alarm raised just before 8.20pm.

A post from Donegal Mountain Rescue Team detailed how coordinators working remotely managed to locate the casualty using a phone find system.

Responders were given this vital information, while a second coordinator obtained further details from the injured party.

16 team members assembled at Errigal Car Park, where a Critical Care Doctor attended also.

With darkness falling and weather conditions deteriorating, Rescue 118 helicopter was deployed.

The helicopter crew located the person, but weather conditions prevented a winchman from being safely lowered, and the helicopter had to return to the base in Sligo.

Eventually, a team located the casualty, administered first aid and placed the person in a shelter to warm them up. The stretcher team soon followed.

‘On the mountain, the casualty was stabilised, secured in a full-body vacuum mattress, wrapped in a thermal casualty wrap, and placed in the stretcher for the long carry down to the car park,’ Donegal Mountain Rescue Team detailed.

‘The team worked in wet, cold conditions with visibility reduced to approximately five metres in cloud.’

The rescue operation took almost five hours, with the ambulance departing the car park just after 1am.

Donegal Mountain Rescue Team said: ‘This incident is a reminder that mountain conditions can change very quickly at this time of year. A minor mistake can turn a pleasant day hike into a serious emergency.

‘Please be prepared: bring extra clothing, carry a head torch, ensure your phone battery is charged, and turn back if conditions deteriorate.

‘We wish the casualty well and a speedy recovery.’

Donegal Mountain Rescue concluded by acknowledging all that were involved in the overnight operation.