A WALKER was rescued from Snaefell yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) suffering from the effects of hypothermia.

The man, thought to be in his 20s, had fallen at around 2pm whilst walking on the mountain and injured his ankle.

He managed to call 999 and spoke to an operator in the emergency services joint control room but was cut off after his mobile phone lost signal.

The operator was not able to re-establish contact and therefore was not able to pinpoint the walker's exact location.

A full scale search was launched which utilised the skills of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue search teams, civil defence, the coastguard and a search and rescue dog. An RAF helicopter was also put on standby. 

The only information that the emergency services had to the man's location was that he could see the Veranda and the valley into Laxey.

A spokesperson for Isle of Man Fire and Rescue said: "Whilst the other agencies were mobilised the fire and rescue personnel began a rapid search in and around the areas the casualty was thought to most likely be in.

"The nine fire and rescue personnel, assisted by three ambulance personnel, covered a large area in very difficult conditions and were fortunate to locate the casualty 50 minutes after being tasked."

Once located the walker was taken down from the mountain and taken to hospital. His injuries were not thought to be serious but he appeared to be suffering from the effects of hypothermia.