An explorer was rescued from an Icelandic glacier after calling his father in the UK for help.

Alex Hibbert, 25, was trekking across the Vatnajokull ice cap with friend Finn McCann when they became trapped by storms.

Their tent had become destroyed by 80mph winds after nine days on the ice, with higher wind speeds predicted for the next day.

Mr Hibbert, a professional expedition leader, raised the alarm using his satellite phone to call his father in Portsmouth.

His father called the Solent Coastguard who passed the message to Falmouth Coastguard and initiated a rescue by Icelandic authorities.

Both men were picked up during a lull in the wind and have since continued in their expedition.

Mr Hibbert, who completed the longest unsupported polar journey in history aged 22, said he chose to contact his father owing to limited battery power.

He said: “Three separate members of the home team forecasted wind speeds of 120kph plus for the night of the Thursday. The team therefore asked for a Wednesday pick-up during a lull in the wind.

“Due to a change in wind direction during a period of 100kph wind, the tunnel design of the tent worked against it and part of it snapped and collapsed.

“This damage made it unable to withstand another major onslaught.”

He explained his father was part of the expedition’s home team and was on hand to call if emergencies arose.

The explorer Tweeted his ordeal on Twitter writing his tent was like “a tiny tomb inside”.

As things got hairier, he then tweeted: “Tent damaged In Storm. 120kph plus storm forecast so getting skidoo. So close!”

Andy Condy, from Falmouth Coastguard said: “We are pleased we could assist in the rescue of these two British men from their situation.

“People who are considering this type of expedition should avail themselves with contact details of emergency services in the country they are exploring.”