Stuck Caver Rescued from Highland Cave
Stuck Caver Rescued from Highland Cave
A caver was rescued by the Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation (SCRO) on Saturday 20th July after being wedged in a cave for more than five in hours in Applecross, Wester Ross.
The caver was stuck in a crack and unable to move. The caver was part of an experienced group who quickly raised the alarm for further assistance. They were able to provide him with food and water and kept him warm, and began a rescue attempt until further help arrived.
SCRO members were scrambled from across Scotland to assist, along with the local Torridon Mountain Rescue Team to provide surface support. SCRO and cavers in the party were able to manipulate him out of the squeeze. He was assisted to the surface unharmed, but cold and tired.
Chair of SCRO, Andrew Morgan said “Thankfully, cave rescues are rare and this incident involved an experienced group. We have a dedicated Scottish cave rescue team available to respond to such incidences and ensure cavers needing assistance can get the professional support they need from fellow cavers.”
“I’d like to thank Torridon Mountain Rescue Team for their assistance, as well as the local community who provided welfare support.”
Image: Entrance of Ashery Pot cave. Courtesy of Torridon MRT
Background
The most recent British Cave Rescue Statistics show that in the five years between 2018-2022, six people were rescued after becoming physically stuck in a cave.
Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation (SCRO) was established in 1966 to provide a service to search for and rescue people and animals underground across Scotland. Team members are located the length of the Scottish mainland from the Scottish Borders to Durness. SCRO are members of Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR), and receive support and training through SMR alongside the Mountain Rescue teams. You can donate to support Scottish Mountain Rescue online here.
Ashery Pot was recently discovered in 2019 and is more than 600 metres long. The UK has a network of caving clubs for those interested in the sport.
In the event of a cave rescue call 999, ask for “police”, then “cave rescue”.
Image: Members of SCRO on a training exercise in June 2024
Contact: Andrew Morgan, Chair of SCRO – chairman@scro.org.uk