An American caver was rescued from a deep cave in southern Turkey on Tuesday after a nine-day rescue effort involving more than 150 people from Turkey, Croatia, Italy, and other countries.
Mark Dickey, 40, was on an international expedition in the Morca cave in the Taurus Mountains when he became ill with gastrointestinal bleeding on September 2. He was found by rescuers at a depth of 1,040 meters (3,300 feet) below the cave’s entrance.
Mark Dickey, a professional cave researcher, fell seriously ill while exploring one of the world’s deepest caves.
Now, rescue teams are slowly bringing him back to the surface on a stretcher.
Read more: https://t.co/Wz18qPXGX2 pic.twitter.com/P4WOgTAUNT
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 11, 2023
The rescue operation was complex and challenging, as rescuers had to navigate narrow passages and steep slopes to reach Dickey. They also had to transport him to the surface on a stretcher, which required careful coordination and planning.
Dickey was taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Mersin for treatment. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The rescue effort was praised by cavers around the world. “This was a remarkable effort by all involved,” said John Volpert, president of the National Speleological Society in the United States. “It is a testament to the dedication of cave rescue teams and the international community.”
American explorer Mark Dickey speaks out for the first time after being rescued from a cave in southern Turkey, where he fell ill and was trapped for more than a week. https://t.co/BddvuWQdP2 pic.twitter.com/V3jfhzL6G9
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 12, 2023
The Morca cave is one of the deepest caves in Turkey. It is known for its complex geology and challenging conditions.
The rescue of Dickey is a reminder of the risks involved in cave exploration. However, it is also a testament to the dedication of cave rescue teams and the international community to helping those in need.