October 26, 2005
Burnham-On-Sea school pupils rescued from Welsh mountains

Nine teenagers from Burnham-On-Sea, one reportedly suffering from hypothermia, were rescued by an RAF helicopter from the Black Mountains in mid-Wales on Tuesday night, October 26th.

The group of boys and girls from King Alfred School, all of whom were aged 15 to 16, were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme when they got into difficulties at around 10pm.

Headmaster Dr Keith Diffey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The pupils got into problems in a plantation where a lot of logging had taken place. They had difficulties locating where they were and lost their way."

"It was dark and they knew they weren't going to make it back. Several rescue services were therefore called."

The pupils were airlifted to hospital in Merthyr Tydfil after one of them contacted police using a mobile phone to say they were in difficulties.

Several rescue organisations combined efforts in the rescue, including the Rescue 169 helicopter based at RAF Chivenor in Devon, pictured above.

Dyfed-Powys Police were involved in the operation, along with Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, based at Monmouth.

The pupils have all safely returned to Burnham and have been recounting their rescue to local and national media organisations.