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Britons in NZ cave rescue drama Britons in NZ cave rescue drama
(about 1 hour later)
Two Britons are reported to be among three cavers who became trapped in a 650ft (200m) cave in New Zealand. Three cavers, including two Britons have been rescued after becoming trapped underground in New Zealand.
The 22-year-olds, one from England and the other from Wales, and an American woman, 27, were exploring Harwood's Hole on South Island.The 22-year-olds, one from England and the other from Wales, and an American woman, 27, were exploring Harwood's Hole on South Island.
Two of the three have been rescued from the sinkhole in the limestone cave at Takaka Hill after a fourth caver, a Canadian, raised the alarm. They spent 12 hours in the 650ft (200m) deep limestone cave at Takaka Hill after equipment failed.
Rescuers are attempting to reach the third caver, 330ft (100m) down. A fourth caver, a Canadian, raised the alarm and they were brought out uninjured.
It is not known which of the two men have been rescued although Radio New Zealand news website reported the American woman had been freed. They were all ill-advised and ill-equipped and didn't have the experience for a cave like Harwoods Hole New Zealand police statement
The New Zealand Herald reported Senior Sgt Grant Andrews, of Motueka Police, as saying one of the climbers had been left "seriously injured" at the bottom of the hole, with the other two caught on climbing ropes at different depths. Fifty cavers, volunteers and St John Ambulance were involved in the operation.
Abseilers Police in Nelson said initial information was that one of the cavers was injured but they were found unharmed.
ONE news on New Zealand TV reported the Welshman was 179m down while a 22-year-old Englishman was about half way down the cave and hanging onto a rope. "The two stranded and suspended down the cave system were unable to go up or down," said a police statement.
The American woman was about 20m from the surface and sitting on a ledge. Risks
The station also said as far as it was aware all three had limited climbing experience. "Although they believed they had the experience and correct equipment they were all ill-advised and ill-equipped and didn't have the experience for a cave like Harwoods Hole.
"Had they been equipped correctly they should have been able to self-rescue instead of which a considerable amount of time was spent to rescueing them."
Earlier reports said the American woman, who was on a ledge, closer to the surface than the others, was first to be freed.
One caver was stuck half way down 330ft (100m) while the remaining one was 179m down.
Harwood's Hole near Nelson, at the tip of South Island, is said to be one of New Zealand's largest known underground limestone cave complexes.Harwood's Hole near Nelson, at the tip of South Island, is said to be one of New Zealand's largest known underground limestone cave complexes.
It is described by the Radio New Zealand website as being popular with abseilers.It says rescues there are "common".It is described by the Radio New Zealand website as being popular with abseilers.It says rescues there are "common".
Another website showcaves.com warns about the risks of going into the cave, describing it as "dangerous".Another website showcaves.com warns about the risks of going into the cave, describing it as "dangerous".
It says a trip into it involves a 590 ft(180m) free abseil and tells visitors the experience is only for experienced cavers under the guidance of local cavers.It says a trip into it involves a 590 ft(180m) free abseil and tells visitors the experience is only for experienced cavers under the guidance of local cavers.