31.03.2010
11:30 hrs

Sally Gap

The Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team for the second time today Wednesday 31st March, where contacted by the Garda in relation to a group of 6 Italian tourist who were travelling in a mini-van from Enniskerry to Glendalough via the Military Road, the tourist became stuck in snow close to the Sally Gap. The team mobilised our 4x4 vehicle along with the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Teams 4x4 vehicle to assist the tourists. After getting a translator to help with the communication, we received a call to inform us that the group had turned their vehicle and where heading back to Enniskerry. Both team where stood down.

The snow is continuing to fall and is expected to get worse as the evening and night progress. Temperatures are also expected to fall overnight, and should someone become stranded during the night, the situation could be very dangerous. Hypothermia can occur to people in their own homes, never mind on an isolated mountain pass.

Rescue teams have attempted to assess the danger, but failed to reach the Sally Gap despite driving specially adapted vehicles. Because of this and the worsening conditions, we urge motorists to plan their journeys through Wicklow carefully.

Incident Stats