Tragedy struck on Britain's highest peak as a 22-year-old climber fell 200ft to his death while scaling Ben Nevis on Saturday evening. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue team sprang into action following reports that two climbers had taken a tumble at around 5pm. A Coastguard helicopter was dispatched to aid in the search, and although rescuers managed to save one man, aged 30, severe conditions halted their efforts to reach the second climber.

By Sunday morning, the rescue team returned where they later recovered the young man's body. A spokesperson said: "Over the past seven days, the team has been out four times attending incidents in Lochaber. On Saturday evening at 5pm, we were tasked by Police Scotland to two fallen climbers in the vicinity of Moonlight Gully, Ben Nevis.

"The team treated and rescued one climber with serious injuries who had managed to move further down the hill. Due to some very challenging weather conditions, combined with hazardous ground, the team returned Sunday morning to recover the other casualty who was sadly deceased."

The post concluded with heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and gratitude towards the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R151 crew and members of the Police Scotland MRT North Division, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

The second climber was rushed to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where his condition is described as "serious" but not life-threatening. Towering at 1,375m, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the British Isles, attracting around 150,000 climbers annually.

Since records began in the mid-1800s, approximately 100 fatalities have been recorded. Moonlight Gully, located on the mountain's north face, is considered the most challenging ascent.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland stated: "Around 5pm on Saturday, 29 March, 2025, police were made aware of concerns for two climbers injured on the North face of Ben Nevis. Officers attended to carry out searches with our partners in the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and Inverness Coastguard rescue helicopter, with the operation continuing on Sunday, 30 March, 2025.

"A 30-year-old man was taken to Raigmore Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The body of a 22-year-old man was recovered and next-of-kin are aware of the death. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."