Frozen waterfall climber rescued after fall in Beacons

Image of frozen waterfall climbers: Desicolours

An ice climber has suffered serious back injuries after a 60ft fall from a frozen waterfall in the Brecon Beacons.

A helicopter from RAF Chivenor, Devon, took him to hospital where it was found he had fractured three vertebrae.

Afterwards, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team's deputy leader said plans to downgrade the Chivenor operation should be reconsidered.

The Department for Transport said no decision has been taken on Chivenor's future.

The unnamed climber, from Cardiff, lost his footing when the ice beneath his feet gave way.

About 30 members of four mountain rescue teams, including the Brecon team, were involved in the two-hour rescue operation which began at about 1600 GMT on Satuday.

The climber was tackling the frozen waterfall with a friend at Torpantau, south of Talybont on Usk.

He tumbled about 20ft and then fell a further 40ft onto a rock, mountain rescuers said.

Two other ice climbers who were nearby, including a former member of the Brecon Mountain Rescue team, went to his aid and stabilised him until rescuers could arrive. ...

via BBC News - Frozen waterfall climber rescued after fall in Beacons.