A US caver and instructor, who was trapped in one of the deepest caves in the world for more than a week, has been rescued by a team of international experts.
Mark Dickey, 39, was exploring the Morca Cave in Turkey, which has a depth of about 1,400 metres (4,600 feet), when he developed stomach problems and could not continue his ascent. He was stuck at a depth of about 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) for eight days, surviving on water and food supplies dropped by his team.
A rescue operation involving more than 150 people from several countries, including Turkey, the US, Germany, France and Ukraine, was launched to bring him back to the surface. The rescuers used explosives to widen some narrow passages and gave Dickey blood transfusions to help him cope with the low oxygen levels and high pressure in the cave.
Dickey was finally freed on Monday, September 11, 2023, after a gruelling climb that took more than 10 hours. He was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up and thanked the Turkish government and the rescuers for saving his life.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who helped me. I owe them my life,” he said.
Mehmet Ali Erdoğan, head of the Turkish Cave Research Association, said it was a very difficult and complex rescue operation.
“We had to overcome many challenges and risks. But we never gave up hope,” he said.
Dr. Murat Ersöz, who treated Dickey at the hospital, said he was in good condition considering the circumstances.
“He has some minor injuries and infections, but nothing serious. He is very lucky to be alive,” he said.
Jean-Pierre Baudu, a French caver who participated in the rescue, said it was a historic achievement for caving and rescue operations.
“It shows the power of international cooperation and solidarity,” he said.
Tim David, Dickey’s friend and fellow caver, said he was a very experienced and skilled caver.
“He knew how to survive and keep calm in such a situation. He is an inspiration to all of us,” he said.
Dickey is expected to return to the US soon after his recovery. He said he would not give up his passion for caving despite his ordeal.
Relevant articles:
– Mark Dickey: US explorer freed from one of Turkey’s deepest caves, BBC News, 12 September 2023
– American man rescued from cave in Turkey after being trapped for days, CBS News, 12 September 2023
– US caver rescued after days-long climb from 1,000 metres deep in Turkish cave, US News, 11 September 2023
– What to know about the successful rescue of a US researcher who was trapped in a deep Turkish cave, Houston Chronicle, 12 September 2023