A 47-year-old man left his campsite at Wombeyan Caves on the Friday
afternoon; with the purpose of photographing some formations in the
Bouverie cave system.
He was alone, and had not notified anyone of his intentions. Friends
arrived at the campsite on the Friday evening and finding it empty,
decided to wait until the following day before taking action. With the
daunting task of searching over 500 known caves on the Wombeyan karst,
authorities called upon the caving community to provide assistance.
Local knowledge and experience proved invaluable in locating the man.
Once his whereabouts was established, the rescue operation was
commenced, utilising police rescue, ambulance, VRA, and the NSW Cave
Rescue Association.
The man had become entrapped while negotiating a vertical “squeeze”.
Entering the squeeze, some rocks were dislodged and effectively pinned
the man so he was unable to move. Rescuers were able to man handle the
rocks free and lift the man out of the slot by his arms.
He was just conscious at this time. The man was suffering from
hypothermia, and dehydration, complicated by the fact that he was
unable to access his diabetic medication.
He was placed into a litter and transported to the surface via
vertical haul systems and horizontal traverse lines. He reached the
surface at around 9pm on the Sunday and was transported by ambulance
to Goulburn Hospital and then to Liverpool Hospital. He is expected to
make a full recovery.