In a Turkish cave: researchers with stomach bleeding 1000 meters underground

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Mark Dickey (40) is trapped 1000 meters underground. The American speleologist has a stomach hemorrhage and is no longer able to surface on his own.

The Turkish Caving Association said 150 national and international troops were on the scene to safely extract Mark Dickey from the Morca cave. The operation is “logistically and technically one of the largest rescue operations in the world”.

According to the announcement, Dickey climbed into the cave near Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with an international team of researchers. At a depth of 1120 meters he suffered a gastrointestinal haemorrhage. As a result, he was taken to a base camp at 1040 meters depth, where he received blood transfusions.

He won’t make it without a stretcher

According to the Turkish civil protection authority Afad, Dickey’s comrades had informed the emergency services about his internal bleeding on Sunday. “Mark’s condition is stabilizing,” said the caving association. “The bleeding has stopped and he can walk with help, but can’t get out without a stretcher.”

Therefore, a stretcher must first be made underground. Dickey’s transport to the top will begin “in the next few hours,” the report said. Then he is first taken to a temporary camp at a depth of 700 meters.

The Morca Cave in the southern province of Mersin is the third deepest cave in Turkey. It reaches 1276 meters deep. Rescuers say it could take several days to get Dickey out of the cave safely. The Turkish caving company works together with the European Caving Association for this mission. (AFP)

Source: Blick