An 11-year-old girl was freed from between rocks at a Dartmoor beauty spot after spending four hours trapped, with a bottle of washing-up liquid playing a crucial role in her rescue.
Shannon Facey was on a school trip to Dartmoor in Devon on June 23, one of the hottest days of the year, when she slipped and her leg became wedged between large boulders at Hound Tor. Temperatures in the surrounding area reached 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Emergency services and Dartmoor Search and Rescue teams attempted to free Shannon for hours, employing specialist equipment to widen the gaps between the rocks. However, these initial efforts were unsuccessful.
Resources were then augmented by the arrival of the Devon Cave Rescue Organisation (DCRO), who brought a bottle of Fairy Washing Up Liquid. Rescuers applied the liquid to Shannon's legs and the rocks, which acted as a lubricant, ultimately allowing her to be pulled free.
Shannon's mother, Jessica Facey, described the situation as "crazy," noting that after extensive efforts, a bottle of washing-up liquid provided the solution. She explained that the liquid was poured over her daughter's leggings, leg, and the rocks trapping her, enabling rescuers to slip her out.
Prior to the washing-up liquid's intervention, individuals were attempting to pull Shannon out from above and below her. Her mother stated that half a bottle of the washing-up liquid provided the necessary slippery lubricant.
Jessica Facey, 38, received a call informing her of her daughter's predicament and described feeling "terrified" and in "blind panic." She expressed relief that her daughter did not require hospitalization.
Despite the ordeal, Shannon remained remarkably composed. Her mother praised her daughter's bravery and resilience, noting that Shannon listened to all directions from the rescue teams and remained upbeat for over four hours. Upon being freed, Shannon was presented with the bottle of Fairy liquid, which had been signed by the rescue teams.
Shannon, who reportedly told her mother she didn't think she would get out, showed little lasting impact from the incident. The day after being rescued, she was observed scrambling down waterfalls, astonishing her mother with her resilience.
