US caver rescued after days-long climb from 1,000 metres deep in Turkish cave
An American caver who had become trapped more than 1,000 metres (3,300ft) underground in southern Turkey after falling ill was rescued early on Tuesday, Turkey's TUMAF caving federation said, after a days-long international rescue operation.
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, is carried out of the Morca cave as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. (REUTERS/Umit Bektas)
An American caver who had become trapped more than 1,000 metres (3,300ft) underground in southern Turkey after falling ill was rescued early on Tuesday, Turkey's TUMAF caving federation said, after a days-long international rescue operation.
Mark Dickey, 40, was on an international exploration mission in the Morca cave in Mersin province's Taurus mountains, when he reportedly began suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding at a depth of 1,040 metres.
0 of 8
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, is carried out of the Morca cave as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. (REUTERS/Umit Bektas)
Cavers gather at the entrance of the Morca cave during the rescue operation of US caver Mark Dickey near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 11, 2023. (REUTERS/Umit Bektas)
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, talks to reporters as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. (REUTERS/Umit Bektas)
US caver Mark Dickey, is carried out on a stretcher from the Morca cave as his rescue operation comes to a successful end. ( REUTERS/Umit Bektas )
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, is carried out of the Morca cave. ( REUTERS/Umit Bektas )
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, is carried out of the Morca cave as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. ( REUTERS/Umit Bektas )
US caver Mark Dickey, on a stretcher, is carried to an ambulance helicopter as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. ( REUTERS/Umit Bektas )
Caver friends of US caver Mark Dickey celebrate as his rescue operation comes to a successful end near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey September 12, 2023. ( REUTERS/Umit Bektas )
“Dickey was removed from the last exit of the cave,” TUMAF wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Thus, the cave rescue part of the operation has ended successfully. We congratulate all those who have contributed!” it added.
Italian rescuers said Dickey was taken to the medical tent at the camp for checks.
More than 150 rescuers from Turkey, Croatia, Italy and other countries worked for nine days to rescue him from the country's third deepest cave.
Footage from previous phases of the operation showed Dickey lying inside the cave and receiving treatment by a medical team. Footage also showed other teams moving down the caves with ropes and making their way through narrow passages.
Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article? Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.