Cave system too risky for amateurs, says rescuer
Posted: Aug 29, 2007 2:49 pm
By KIRAN CHUG and FAIRFAX
The Nelson Mail | Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Inexperienced cavers have been warned off attempting the dangerous Middle Earth system in the aftermath of the dramatic rescue of Motueka doctor Michael Brewer.
Search and Rescue coordinator Sherp Tucker said he was worried that adventurers without the skills to navigate the complex caving system under Takaka Hill would "want to have a go", putting themselves at risk.
About 50 experienced cavers spent 2&fracd12 days assisting in one of the most technically challenging rescue missions attempted in New Zealand, after Dr Brewer fractured his pelvis 400m underground.
Dr Brewer, a caver with more than 20 years' experience, had spent Saturday mapping a section of the caves when he was hit by a falling rock.
This morning he was in a comfortable condition in Nelson Hospital after getting a good night's sleep.
<a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4182860a6007.html">via The Nelson Mail</a>
The Nelson Mail | Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Inexperienced cavers have been warned off attempting the dangerous Middle Earth system in the aftermath of the dramatic rescue of Motueka doctor Michael Brewer.
Search and Rescue coordinator Sherp Tucker said he was worried that adventurers without the skills to navigate the complex caving system under Takaka Hill would "want to have a go", putting themselves at risk.
About 50 experienced cavers spent 2&fracd12 days assisting in one of the most technically challenging rescue missions attempted in New Zealand, after Dr Brewer fractured his pelvis 400m underground.
Dr Brewer, a caver with more than 20 years' experience, had spent Saturday mapping a section of the caves when he was hit by a falling rock.
This morning he was in a comfortable condition in Nelson Hospital after getting a good night's sleep.
<a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4182860a6007.html">via The Nelson Mail</a>