The South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team have shared some dramatic photos of the cave rescue that took place in South Wales over the past 48 hours.
A spokesperson for The South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team said:
“At 14:10 on Saturday 6th November South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team were called out to assist a male caver who sustained incapacitating injuries following a fall in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system in the Swansea Valley.
“The nature of the injuries and location deep underground has resulted in the longest stretcher carry in British cave rescue history.
“Over 300 volunteers from 10 rescue teams across the UK, working with the emergency services, have spent 54 hours manoeuvring the injured caver through technically challenging terrain towards the surface.
“At 19:45 on Monday 8th November the casualty finally exited the 62km system and was assessed by Cave Rescue Doctors and the HART team before being transferred to hospital for further treatment.
“The extraction of an injured caver from such a complex cave system creates many challenges including negotiating small tunnels, climbs, rivers and continuously uneven ground. SMWCRT would like to extend their thanks to the volunteers and our colleagues in the emergency services who have worked tirelessly, not only to support the casualty and associated underground logistics, but those working behind the scenes to feed and support the many rescuers involved.
“Thanks also go to local shops, businesses and the South Wales Caving Club whose contributions have kept the Team running. On behalf of everyone involved we would like to wish the casualty a swift recovery.
“South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team is a voluntary organisation providing assistance to people and animals in need underground. The Team relies on the donations from members of the public to fund our essential life-saving rescue service. Donations can be made through the Team website www.smwcrt.org“
