Lost hikers rescued in Slieve Blooms
Two Laois Civil Defence units during the rescue operation in the Slieve Blooms today
TWO hikers who got lost in the Slieve Bloom Mountains were rescued by Laois Civil Defence volunteers today.
The organisation was alerted by the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) this afternoon, when walkers became lost in woodlands in the scenic area.
Two units responded from the Civil Defence headquarters in Portlaoise, located in the Kea-Lew Business Park.
Fortunately, the walkers were located a short time later and were brought back down to safety.
Posting photos from the scene on social media, Laois Civil Defence said: ‘A busy day for a number of our volunteers today with two call-outs. This afternoon, we were activated by South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association to assist two hikers who had become lost on the Slieve Blooms.
‘Two units responded from Portlaoise and located the walkers a short time later and brought them back down to safety.’
Civil Defence units regularly assist with lost or injured visitors to the beautiful but rough terrain across the Slieve Blooms.
The volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are trained in a variety of skills, ranging from first aid to search and rescue, as they support and assist frontline emergency services.
