Incident 1 of 2025:-
15/01/25, 13:11, Blelham Tarn, NY365005
It was a dry and pleasant afternoon when we received a call out from CUMPOL (Cumbria Police) regarding cries for help in the Blelham Tarn area near Latterbarrow.
Two members of the public, walking in the area, had distinctly heard a male, who appeared to be calling for help, quite forcefully. They couldn’t see anything and even walked to where they thought the shouts came from, but by that time nothing else was heard. Worrying for the safety of someone in need, they rang the Police. The Team Leader spoke to the caller who was adamant it wasn’t a farmer out with his dogs rounding sheep. This is what occasionally happens and mistaken for a person calling for help.
Two Land Rovers were deployed to the location, whilst two other team members went direct. On arrival there were various parties congregated, which included a Policeman, due to the possibility of a potential serious incident, the local farmer and his wife, and three fishermen. It transpired that the farmer had searched the area without finding any one who required assistance, and then went to ask the fishermen who had been on Blelham Tarn fishing. One of the gentlemen had actually caught quite a large fish and perhaps vocalised his excitement rather enthusiastically. He apologised for causing the inconvenience and worry to everyone, but it wasn’t his fault at all. Neither can the caller be blamed. This was simply a member of the public expressing a valid concern with good intent, and fortunately no one was hurt.
It was a unanimous decision within the Team and including the Police that we stood down and returned to Base. Our thanks go to the farmer and his wife for their help too.
14 Team Members attended this incident which lasted 1 hr 18 mins.
