Police searching a Welsh mountainside for hours to locate a vulnerable missing person had a breakthrough – thanks to the discovery of a shoe. South Wales Police, together with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and the National Police Air Service, were involved in the search to locate a person who was reported missing. Their search focused on a 300m radius of the last known sighting, and saw officers searching for hours in challenging terrain with heavy rain lashing down.
Police haven’t disclosed the exact location to protect the identity of the person involved. With little success, the parameters were extended. But as daylight began to fade, officers then found a shoe. Believing the shoe belonged to the person they were looking for, they concentrated on that area and it led them to their location. The person had fallen a significant distance and slid under a fallen tree. They were in a severely dehydrated state and showing signs of hypothermia. Officers were then able to bring the person to safety.
A statement from South Wales Police highlighted the challenging conditions of the search and praised the professionalism and dedication of the search teams. The statement read: “South Wales can be a beautiful place in which to live and work. But while the coastal areas and vast mountains and valleys can be particularly scenic, they can also prove challenging for us and our partners.”
The search efforts were led by a highly-trained Police Search Advisor (PolSA), with the team beating back large areas of brambles and foliage to create a safe working environment for first aid and rescue. The rescue operation took a further two hours due to the treacherous conditions and location. The successful search operation was described as an “incredible, life-saving, team effort” that showcased the professionalism, determination, and tenacity of the specialist officers and partners involved.
The discovery of the shoe proving to be a critical lead in locating the missing person serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of emergency services in Wales, particularly in challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. The positive outcome of the search is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the search teams and their unwavering determination to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.