American caver Mark Dickey, 40, has been successfully rescued from Morca Cave, one of Turkey's deepest caves, after a complex and international rescue operation lasting over a week. Dickey, part of a research group exploring the cave, fell seriously ill with gastrointestinal bleeding.
The cave, located in Turkey's Taurus Mountain range, reaches depths of up to 1,276 meters (4,186 feet). Multiple teams of experienced cavers from around the world and Turkish specialists collaborated on the rescue mission.
"Mark Dickey is out in the hands of a rescue worker (and) seems fine at first look,"
said Recep Salci of Turkey's disaster and emergency management authority (AFAD). Dickey expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government and rescue teams, emphasizing their quick response and the delivery of vital medical supplies that saved his life.
“I was underground for far longer than ever expected with an unexpected medical issue. I don’t quite know what’s happened but I do know that the quick response by the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I needed in my opinion saved my life. I was very close to the edge,” he said.
Dickey's parents also expressed their relief and gratitude for the successful rescue operation. The challenging cave presented numerous risks and complications due to its vertical shafts, deep pits, narrow passages, and cold, wet conditions. Dickey's severe stomach bleeding required a blood transfusion underground.
The European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) initiated the international rescue operation, involving over 200 aid workers from countries including the US, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. The operation was divided into seven parts at various depths, and Dickey was eventually moved to 180 meters (590 feet) below the surface before being successfully retrieved.
An experienced caver, Dickey had explored caves in 20 different US states and 10 different countries. He served as an instructor with the National Cave Rescue Commission and held positions in caving organizations, highlighting his extensive experience in cave exploration and rescue operations.
This dramatic and successful rescue operation showcased international collaboration and the dedication of rescue teams in saving Mark Dickey from the depths of Morca Cave.
Earlier Daryo reporeted that director at Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said, the operation was scheduled to begin on September 9, with the mission expected to last around four days.
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