Polish caver rescued in Austria

A handout photograph made available by NEUMAYR/BR/MMV showing members of an Austrian rescue team treat the injured speleologist in the so called 'Jack Daniel's Cave' in Abtenau, Austria, on 15.08.2014. Photo: PAP/EPA/NEUMAYR/BR/MMV

The incident happened on Thursday, but it was not until Saturday morning that the rescue operation, which involved over 100 emergency services personnel, successfully managed to airlift the man to hospital, the APA news agency reports.

The man’s condition has been declared as “stable”.

The accident happened during a research trip of six Poles to the cave. Under as yet unknown circumstances, one of the speleologists fell off a seven metre ledge some 250 metres underground, breaking his femur and ribs, as well as suffering from concussion.

A total of 116 people took part in the rescue operation. Supplies were first flown in to the main helicopter base at the Laufener Huette, some 1,724 m above sea level. From there, essential equipment was then taken by foot to the entrance to the cave at 2,120 metres above sea level.

The evacuation was undertaken by an Austrian Army helicopter equipped for night flights. (jb)

Source: PAP

Members of a rescue team around the entrance of the so called 'Jack Daniel's Cave' in Abtenau, Austria, on 15.08.2014. A Polish speleologist has been severely injured after falling several meters inside the Cave at the Tennengebirge in Salzburg. The man was with five Polish companions when the accident happened. Photo: PAP/EPA/NEUMAYR/MMV

Members of a rescue team atthe entrance to the so-called 'Jack Daniel's Cave' in Abtenau, Austria, on 15.08.2014. A Polish speleologist was severely injured after falling several metres inside the cave. The man was with five Polish companions when the accident happened. Photo: PAP/EPA/NEUMAYR/MMV