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Britons in NZ cave rescue drama | Britons in NZ cave rescue drama |
(about 1 hour later) | |
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. |
They spent 12 hours in the 650ft (200m) deep limestone cave at Takaka Hill after equipment failed. | |
A fourth caver, a Canadian, raised the alarm and they were brought out uninjured. | |
They were all ill-advised and ill-equipped and didn't have the experience for a cave like Harwoods Hole New Zealand police statement | |
Fifty cavers, volunteers and St John Ambulance were involved in the operation. | |
Police in Nelson said initial information was that one of the cavers was injured but they were found unharmed. | |
"The two stranded and suspended down the cave system were unable to go up or down," said a police statement. | |
Risks | |
"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. |