Caver dies in Yorkshire Dales despite 17-hour rescue operation

File photo: The man died at Curtain Pot, on Fountains Fell, North Yorkshire

Danny Lawson/PA Archive

Megan White2 June 2019

A caver has died in the Yorkshire Dales despite a 17-hour operation to rescue him involving almost 100 people.

The Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) said the incident happened on Saturday at Curtain Pot, on Fountains Fell, North Yorkshire.

A statement on the CRO's website said the man, who was part of a group of three, had broken his leg in a 20ft fall deep within the cave.

Despite one of his friends immediately calling for help, rescuers were unable to reach the man through the unmapped cave’s narrow passages.

The CRO added: “The meantime the casualty was provided care by a team doctor assisted by trained casualty carers, who monitored his condition, as well as packaging him for the eventual extrication.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of his injuries, and the extended time needed to create a navigable way out, the casualty succumbed to his injuries and died just prior to the extrication beginning.”

94 volunteers from local caving groups were involved in the rescue, as well as the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.