Mountain rescue teams stretched to breaking point
Volunteer mountain rescue crews in north Wales are being stretched to breaking point by increased callouts, police say.
Mountain rescue crews said this year had already seen “unprecedented demand”, and two deaths in just 10 days.
Friends of 28-year-old Maria Eftimova, who died last weekend, have thanked the mountain rescue crews who tried to save her.
Officers say social media apps – such as TikTok and Instagram – were responsible for greater numbers of people walking in the mountains and on the coast.
University student Ms Eftimova, originally from Bulgaria, was an experienced walker who was well equipped, and walking with a group.
She fell around 65ft (19.8m) while ascending the north ridge of Tryfan on 22 February.
Her best friend Megan Griffiths said: “Maria was a one-of-a-kind person who lived life to the fullest – not only adventurous and free-spirited, but also incredibly kind, intelligent, and selfless.
“We are so thankful to Maria’s friends, crew, and the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue team for their efforts to save her.”
It was just one of several emergency calls made from the mountains and coast of north Wales over the past fortnight.
