/www/businessmirror_145/public/wp-content/plugins/better-image-credits/better-image-credits.phpANKARA, Turkey — A major rescue operation in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains succeeded in bringing out an American researcher whoat a depth of some 1,000 meters from the entrance of one of the world’s deepest caves. An experienced cave rescuer himself, Mark Dickey was assisted by teams of international rescuers who by Monday had gotten him to 100 meters from the surface. They brought him out early Tuesday.
The European Association of Cave Rescuers described Dickey as “a highly trained caver and a cave rescuer himself” and well-known cave researcher, or speleologist. He is the secretary of the association’s medical committee. The biggest challenges the rescuers faced were the steep vertical sections and navigating through mud and water at low temperatures in the horizontal sections. There was also the psychological strain of being inside a dark, damp cave for extended periods, experts said.
“Because of his experience teaching and doing these rescues, he understands exactly what is ahead of him,” Baker said, adding that while it isn’t easy to be tied to the stretcher, Dickey personally knew some of the rescuers from Europe. The Italian National Alpine and Speleological Rescue said Monday that Dickey recognized some sections of the cave and reacted positively, understanding that he was getting closer to the exit.