More than 150 rescuers in Mersin, Turkey, are in a race against time to save an American man who fell ill and became trapped approximately 1,000 metres underground while exploring the Morca cave in the Taurus mountains. According to Turkey’s TUMAF caving federation, Mark Dickey, 40, suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding. The federation stated that various international teams, including those from Croatia and Italy, are involved in the rescue mission. The ascent is being divided into seven sections.
TUMAF head Bulent Genc informed Reuters that the rescue operation is anticipated to take 10 days, depending on Dickey’s condition. However, if his situation deteriorates, it could take longer. Genc also stated that Dickey’s condition has improved, and he is now capable of standing on his own.
The TUMAF announced the establishment of a phone line that reaches a depth of 1,040 metres, and Croatian rescuers are setting up an additional communications system, called “CaveLink,” as a backup.
Medics on site will evaluate whether Dickey can be extracted without the use of a stretcher. Footage from the ongoing rescue operation reveals Turkish and international teams erecting tents and cables around the sinkhole, which is Turkey’s third-largest and situated at an altitude of 2,140 metres.
Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Helen Popper
Credit: The Star : News Feed
