A FATHER and son from Liverpool were hauled to safety by volunteers who abseiled 500 ft in the dark down the biggest rockface in Wales.
Two men in their 50s and the son who was in his 20s, had gone on the mountain at noon on Saturday but had not left adequate time for the climb. Ian Henderson of Llanberis Mountain Rescue said: “They were very lucky.
“They became stuck on Y Lliwedd – the biggest rock face south of Scotland. They were noticed by someone walking off the Miners' Track and it was about 9pm when the alarm was raised.”
RAF Valley rescue helicopter was called and it took some of its own mountain rescue team and other volunteers to attempt a lift rescue. Strong wind conditions saw the Sea King helicopter badly buffetted and the attempt was abandoned afer half an hour.
Mr Henderson added: "The RAF made a very creditable attempt, as usual.
“One guy was perched in a very precarious position, scary for all concerned.
“Llanberis MRT and Ogwen MRT joined up with the RAF and a total of 43 volunteers took part in the recue.”
