Incident #03 – 2026

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NYP Missing Person – Hawkswick Fell

The team were tasked by North Yorkshire Police to assist in the search for a high-risk missing person reported missing near Starbottom, having left their home in the Hawkswick area.

Initial information indicated that the casualty had been in contact with family and the police and had sent a short video intended to help identify their location. Unfortunately, despite careful review, the exact position could not be confirmed. Team members carried out checks of likely buildings and key locations on the fell, however these initial searches were unsuccessful.

Further information was received a couple of hours later suggesting a new possible location. Search parties were deployed to this area, but again nothing was found. With no confirmed position, the team returned to the original search plan and continued a systematic search of likely terrain on the fell.

This approach proved successful, and the casualty was located by team members. After an assessment and treatment on scene, the casualty was carefully stretchered off the fell and handed over to a waiting ambulance for onward care.

We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the farmer from Redmire Farm, whose local knowledge of the ground was absolutely essential and played a key role in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.

Our thanks also go to the people of Kettlewell for allowing the team to use the village hall as a base and for looking after us throughout the operation, and to The Blue Bell and Kettlewell Store for generously providing food — support like this makes a real difference during long incidents.

Finally, a huge thank you to all team members involved for their commitment, teamwork, and professionalism. Without the dedication of our volunteers, outcomes like this would not be possible.

We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery and thank all partner agencies for their support.