A vulnerable woman who went missing in Truro was located in marshland beside a river by a search and rescue team last night.
There were serious concerns for the 55 year old who was last seen at about 12.30 pm on Sunday in the Threemilestone area near Truro.
Sightings and searches by friends suggested she had been near Badhu that afternoon and with the weather turning cold and night drawing in, the Cornwall Search and Rescue Team were called out to help cover the vast open countryside and maze of tracks. The police helicopter also joined in the hunt.
At around 10 pm and after an extensive search covering over 5 square miles of countryside, Cornwall Search and Rescue Team found her in marshland around a kilometre away from the last sighting, beside a river near Hugus. She was hypothermic and confused having been exposed to the elements for the past ten hours.
Pete Jarrett, CSRT Chairman explained "In total eleven team members were involved with treating and evacuating the missing lady.
"Within 30 minutes we had her stabilised and taken by stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
"She was in an extremely isolated location, and with the cold temperatures, she may have not made it through the night".
Inspector Dave Meredith from Devon and Cornwall Police said "I have no doubt that the actions of the Cornwall Search and Rescue Team saved this woman's life. With low temperatures, heavy rain and the wind chill factor, it is highly likely that this woman would have quickly succumbed to hypothermia.
"This is another excellent example of the work of CSRT who regularly turn out to help the police in searches for Missing Persons.
"They are to be commended for their professionalism and dedication in this truly life saving incident".
The missing woman was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for treatment.
