Two hikers who were rescued after getting lost while trying to climb England’s highest mountain were found to have failed to pay a hotel they stayed at for the night following a seven-hour rescue operation, as per the nonprofit that carried out the rescue.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team posted on Facebook last week, stating, “We try not to pass judgment but find it hard to understand when those who have been rescued take advantage of the hospitality offered by our supporters in the valley.” They explained that after the two men were safely rescued from Scafell Pike in an “avoidable” incident on Dec. 29, the manager of the Wasdale Head Inn “graciously agreed to stay up, provide them with snacks, and offer a room.”
Scafell Pike has an elevation of 3,200 feet.
The rescue nonprofit stated that although the men were offered a 35% discounted room rate, which they agreed to pay at the time but claimed they didn’t have their money with them, they departed without settling the bill, and the organization felt obliged to pay it on their behalf.
The nonprofit alleged, “Disappointingly, in the morning they showed no gratitude for the hotel’s efforts, requested further cost reductions, insisted on having breakfast, and inquired if transport could be arranged to get them out of the valley. The response was, sorry, no additional services, and please transfer the money when you can.”
The nonprofit also mentioned that the men had not returned two flashlights that were missing from the team following the rescue.
Additionally, they stated that the phone number provided to contact the men was not functional.
The nonprofit stated that the men had yet to settle the $178 bill. However, the post received such a positive response that kind-hearted individuals donated more money than the amount owed to the inn. The group noted that “this money will be directly used for the team’s operational expenses, which exceed £100,000 annually.”
The team stated they had attempted to contact the men regarding the money, the flashlights, and to return a crutch that one of the men had left in one of the team’s vehicles, but had received no response.
The team wrote, “This post is expected to encourage the two young men to settle their debt,” and added that they included a QR code in the post for the convenience of payment. “They might also reflect on the kindness shown to them that night by the staff at the Wasdale Head Inn and our volunteer team after their eventful trip to Cumbria.”
The team ended the post by explaining that their volunteers work without pay and “we never charge, but donations are always appreciated. Specifically, they help cover our substantial capital and operational expenses, including some of our less common but rare £130 losses.”
In a comment on the post, the hotel thanked the team for “handling this incident in their typical professional way, and to our staff who stayed up to care for the hungry and cold walkers when they were brought in around 2am.”
They further stated, “Thankfully, this is the first time in over 45 years that those who have been rescued have acted in such a manner. However, the messages of support and donations from numerous people to the team more than offset this one selfish incident.”