‘Lessons to be learnt’ over cadets’ rescue - MoD

The Ministry of Defence says a team will review if any lessons should be learnt after a group of 63 Army cadets had to be rescued from the Mourne Mountains.

The young people - some as young as 12 - and 10 adults from the Cleveland Army Cadet Force in Middlesbrough were participating in an exercise in the Co Down mountain range on Wednesday when they needed assistance due to the increasingly bad weather conditions.

A number of the young people were treated for mild hypothermia and minor leg injuries. Eight were taken to Daisy Hill Hospital and have since been released since the rescue operation.

“They all called their mums and dads yesterday to reassure them that they’re alright. They’ve resumed training at Ballykinlar and they go back to Middlesbrough on Friday,” Huw Morgan, MoD spokesperson said.

“Of course we’re relieved that everybody has come away unscathed but you’ve got to make sure that you learn those lessons and when it comes to planning for the future exercises, that you take that into consideration.”

Claire McDonald’s daughter was one of those who became stranded on the mountains.

“Just not knowing what had happened, how injured she is, it was just absolutely horrendous,” she said.

“I knew although she was involved in it and she was hurt, I just knew she would be looked after.

“I know a few of the leaders, they are capable people, they do keep in touch with people if there’s problems. I’ve no problems with her going back on weekend camps or annual camps.”