A Spanish Civil Guard spokesman added that they had not been equipped with proper clothing and footwear.
That is such a very sad thing to read if it really is true. (
Added later: Two UK Newspaper Reports quoted the Civil Guard as stating they were properly equipped)
Even to a total newcomer to mountain hiking like me, (I don't climb), the very first thing covered in research was wearing decent footwear and clothes appropriate to what you are doing, where you are going, and suitable for actual and possible weather conditions. Just about every web site and book on the subject hammers that home time and time again.
(
In view of the subsequent postings by me and someone else I've added the above note in italics. Relatives or friends of these three guys may one day stumble on this thread)