Mark Dickey: Rescue set to start for caver trapped 1,000m underground
A US caver who fell ailing greater than 1,000m underground has recovered sufficiently for a rescue staff to start transferring him out, a Turkish official has mentioned.
The operation to rescue Mark Dickey may final three to 4 days, the official added.
The 40-year-old started struggling gastrointestinal bleeding whereas on an exploration mission with a handful of others contained in the 4,100ft (1,276m) deep Morca collapse southern Turkey final Saturday.
Mr Dickey earlier launched a video message saying he is “up and alert but not healed on the inside”.
The New Jersey-based cave rescue group that Mr Dickey is affiliated with mentioned he had been bleeding and dropping fluid from his abdomen however has now stopped vomiting.
He has additionally eaten for the primary time in days.
It was not clear what prompted the medical problem.
The US national fell ill near the underside of the crevice at 3,670ft (1,120m) and was later moved to a campsite at a 3,400ft (1,040m) depth.
American caver Mark Dickey is trapped in a Turkish cave
Mr Dickey is in a secure situation however he must cease and relaxation continuously at numerous factors alongside the way in which up, mentioned a medic who’s concerned within the operation.
“We have three doctors at our camp. During Mark’s transport, there will be one doctor accompanying him at all times, every minute,” mentioned Dr. Tulga Sener.
More than 170 rescuers are on a mission to avoid wasting him, with members of Italy’s National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Team joined rescue groups from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Turkey late Thursday.
Mark Dickey
The Italian organisation mentioned six of their rescuers, together with a health care provider and nurse, reached Mr Dickey in the course of the night time.
A Turkish helicopter was on standby close to the doorway of the cave, Turkish media experiences mentioned.
Mr Dickey’s earlier video message was the primary time he has spoken publicly for the primary time because the ordeal started.
In the message launched by the Turkish authorities, he could be seen wearing a purple puffer jacket and utilizing a headlamp.
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Around 150 individuals have been deployed to assist convey Mr Dickey to security
He mentioned: “As you can see, I’m up, I’m alert, I’m talking. But I’m not healed on the inside yet, so I’m going to need a lot of help to get out of here.”
Mr Dickey added that he was “very close to the edge” when the staff reached him with important provides.
“The caving world is a really tight-knit group, and it’s amazing to see how many people have responded on the surface,” he mentioned.
“The quick response of the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I needed, in my opinion, saved my life.”
Mr Dickey’s fiancee, fellow caver Jessica, has remained at his aspect within the cave.
Footage from the search operation confirmed rescuers establishing shelters contained in the cave and chatting with Mr Dickey.
The cave has been divided into seven sections with numerous groups taking accountability for every space.
The 40-year-old’s situation is secure and his important indicators are regular, authorities have mentioned. Three medical doctors will watch him as he slowly makes his manner out to security.