Stupid journalists

[DodgyAgent]

IMO all these modern rescues take the fun out of the "dangerous tasks". It would have been no fun for Shackleton if he had just called 999. If people attempt these stupid things they should know they might be killed - or pay for insurance in case they need rescuing.

Fair comment. I suppose the world has changed and risks are supposedly reduced. We live in a society that can make rescues so discussions take place accordingly. In Shackletons day the question would not have arisen. having said that I am sure rescue missions were undertaken though voluntarily.
On the other side of course 100 years ago someone would have stepped into a 3 ft pond to rescue a drowning man, whereas today that would no longer happen thanks to health and safety.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Although you have a point I think we have a moral duty to support such people who put their lives at risk for worthy causes, just as we should do for Aid workers, people who sail in dodgy waters and get kidnapped and people who foolishly go hiking , get caught in bad weather and endanger the lives of say air rescue people. It is a fine line between "our duty to support" and "recklessness". In the case of these guys I would support their rescue ahead of rescuing some idiot trying to walk across the Cairn Gorms in the middle of winter wearing nothing but sandals, shorts and a tee shirt.

A moral duty eh?

[blinko]

What about the people that end up getting bitten by Tigers, Lions etc and then complain that the animal should be put down. nutters !!