How St Athan Scouts helped in Brecon cave rescue
TWO St Athan Scouts supported the widely-reported rescue of a caver in the Brecon Beacons last week.
Ellie Davies and James Hallihan, both aged 17, from St Athan Scout Group were present at the rescue and supported the larger operation to save caver George Linnane.
Ellie and James were part of a large network of amateur cavers who formed part of the voluntary effort to rescue Mr Linnane.
Vale MP Alun Cairns met them to congratulate and commend them on their fantastic efforts in the rescue. Cairns said: “It is remarkable that these two young cavers were able to support such a monumental cave rescue. Thanks must go to Ellie, James and all the volunteers for their incredible efforts in saving George Linnane’s life.”
St Athan Group Scout Leader Gary Shaw also praised the two and said he was proud of their achievements in the rescue.
Both of the young scouts are budding cavers who are awaiting their 18th birthdays before they can cave solo. Ellie said that she had been caving since she ‘was three years old’!
Gary Shaw told the Glamorgan Star: “Ellie and James are both leaders here in St Athan. Our Scout Group does do some caving but in this case they were in the area with their caving club.
“The club was holding a bonfire party but once the accident happened, the club members dropped everything to help. Obviously, the most experienced members went into the cave system. It turned out to be a complicated rescue operation.
“Ellie and James joined the support operation above ground and were there for two days until the rescue was complete.”
