A doctor from Bristol who went missing in the Inner Hebrides during Storm Otto was found on Saturday (February 18) after spending two nights in storm conditions, authorities have confirmed. Dr John Pike was found to be "immobilised" on an open hillside in Coire Uisge (Loch Coruisk) on the Isle of Skye after suffering a leg injury.
Dr Pike was reported missing at 1pm on Thursday (February 16) after he did not return to his accommodation in Portree, Skye's capital town, then prompting a "multi-force rescue mission".
The Isle of Skye is well known for having some of the best mountaineering and hiking that can be found in the UK, but along with that comes the possibility of extreme weather conditions.
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Reports from the Skye Mountain Rescue Team stated that Dr Pike had spent two nights in sub-zero temperatures and being battered by the 95mph winds of Storm Otto, reports the Daily Record. It was not until yesterday (February 19) at 10.30am that crews fom Skye Mountain Rescue Team managed to trace him, reporting back that Dr Pike was "cold, but alert".
A statement reads: "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.
"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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