Challenging rope rescue on steep ground
Emergency teams carried out a complex rescue near Llangollen after a paraglider became stuck roughly 25 metres above the ground, suspended in a stand of very thin trees on steep terrain.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 21 July. North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) said the call came while the volunteer team were already engaged in a separate missing-person search in Talacre. At the request of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and via North Wales Police, NEWSAR was diverted to assist with the Llangollen incident.
How the rescue was carried out
Rescuers described the position of the casualty as technically demanding due to the height, the fragility of the trees and the slope of the ground. A coordinated approach between volunteer and statutory services was required to bring the paraglider down safely.
- Teams first established an above-the-casualty rope system to create a safe working anchor.
- They then used a twin-tension rope system to perform a controlled descent, lowering the trapped pilot to ground level.
- Once on the ground, the casualty was assessed by team members and found to have no physical injuries, though shaken by the experience.
“A fantastic team effort by NEWSAR and our partner agencies, demonstrating excellent teamwork and flexibility in responding to two incidents at the same time, and ultimately resulting in two positive outcomes.”
The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews assisted mountain rescue at the scene and left at around 5.30pm.
Who attended and what this means locally
NEWSAR provides a round‑the‑clock search-and-rescue capability across Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and parts of Conwy and Powys, delivered by volunteers. The organisation highlighted the pressure of responding to two serious callouts concurrently and praised the inter-agency co‑operation that allowed both incidents to be resolved successfully.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 21 July |
| Height of casualty | Approximately 25 metres |
| Location | Steep ground near Llangollen |
| Services involved | NEWSAR, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police |
| Outcome | Casualty lowered safely; uninjured but shaken |
This operation underscores both the hazards of aerial sports in upland areas and the value of well‑practised rope‑rescue skills among volunteer teams. Local residents and visitors are reminded that steep slopes and thin woodland can make an otherwise recoverable incident far more complex and to call emergency services promptly if they witness an incident.
