Sir, - I refer to a letter by Mr Patrick Warner (August 26th) regarding a recent scout rescue in the Comeragh Mountains, I wish, as controller of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association search team for that operation, to make some points.
I am astonished at Mr Warner's statement regarding confusion dogging their rescue. Certainly I can state that on behalf of SEMRT, and the various civil and service authorities involved, there was no confusion.
The scouts were found speedily and efficiently, as a result of the implementation of a clear and coherent search strategy. For the record, the party was found at the northern end of Coumtay, by a group tasked to search that area.
I would like to point out that mountain and cliff rescue teams are one of the few voluntary 999 services in the country. Such comments as Mr Warner's do nothing to help with the morale of any voluntary team.
I would also like to offer the following details. So far, this year SEMRA has rescue nine people from the mountains of the southeast. Only one of these people a Dutch national who was unable to speak fluent English, has expressed any appreciation of the services involved.
If confusion reigned, it was not the result of this team or any of the civil and service authorities involved. - Yours, etc.,
Controller,
South Eastern Mountain
Rescue Association,
51 The Glen, Waterford.