Missing hiker spent two nights on freezing hillside during 95mph winds

19 February 2023 , 02:15

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Dr John Pike went missing from the Isle of Skye

A man who disappeared during Storm Otto has been found, after becoming stuck on an open hillside in Scotland for two nights during the adverse weather conditions.

Dr John Pike, 61, from Bristol, was reported missing from the Isle of Skye at 1pm on Thursday, February 16.

He failed to return to his accommodation in Portree, which subsequently initiated a multi-force rescue mission.

Coastguard helicopter units, dog search handlers and police were drafted in to assist the search operation, after Dr Pike failed to return to his accommodation in Portree.

It has now emerged that Dr Pike had become immobilised on the open hillside near Loch Coruisk after suffering from a leg injury.

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Dr John Pike was found injured and cold but alert

He spent two nights in sub-zero temperatures and with 95mph winds before he was traced at 10.30am today by crews from Skye Mountain Rescue Team, according to the Daily Record.

Miraculously, when he was located, teams said Dr Pike was "cold, but alert". His current condition is unknown.

A statement read: "We are pleased to report that our ongoing search for the missing hillwalker, Dr John Pike, came to a successful conclusion this morning.

“Dr Pike, who had become immobilised after suffering a lower leg injury on Thursday, had endured two nights on the open hillside above Loch Coruisk.

"On Thursday night, a wind speed of 95 mph was recorded nearby during storm Otto. Last night temperatures plummeted, and there was fresh snow on the hills.

“So it was with huge relief that we found him cold, but alert around 10.30am.”

The statement mentioned and thanked the efforts of the rescue teams in helping locate Dr Pike.

The hiker had become stranded on an open hillside due to a lower leg injury (Getty Images)

It continued: "Once again, we were supported by our neighbours, Kintail MRT with substantial back up being provided by RAF Lossiemouth MRT, newly formed North Police MRT, SARDA Southern Scotland, Coastguard Helicopter R948, Mallaig Lifeboat, Police Scotland search team and dog handlers along with local Coastguard teams.

"In total over 50 volunteers and professionals were involved. We would like to wish Dr Pike a speedy recovery and thank everyone involved in the search and rescue."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that John Pike, 61, who had been reported missing on Skye has been traced safe. Thank you to everyone who shared or helped with our previous appeal for information."

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