Bristol man rescued from cave in ‘longest stretcher carry in British cave rescue history’

A Bristol man has been rescued after being trapped in a cave in South Wales for two days.

George Linnane was removed from the cave in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system in the Swansea Valley on Monday evening.

Among the rescue teams was the South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team (SMWCRT).

A team spokesperson said that due to the nature of the injuries and the caver’s deep location, this was the “longest stretcher carry in British cave rescue history”.

Over 300 volunteers from 10 rescue teams across the UK assisted in the rescue, which took 54 hours to complete.

A spokesperson for SMWCRT said: “At 14:10 on Saturday 6 November South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team were called out to assist a male caver who sustained incapacitating injuries following a fall in the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave system in the Swansea Valley.

“At 19:45 on Monday 8 November the casualty finally exited the 62km system and was assessed by Cave Rescue Doctors and the HART team before being transferred to hospital for further treatment.

“The extraction of an injured caver from such a complex cave system creates many challenges including negotiating small tunnels, climbs, rivers and continuously uneven ground.”

The team offered their thanks and appreciation to all who helped in the rescue effort.

The spokesperson added: “SMWCRT would like to extend their thanks to the volunteers and our colleagues in the emergency services who have worked tirelessly, not only to support the casualty and associated underground logistics, but those working behind the scenes to feed and support the many rescuers involved.

“Thanks also go to local shops, businesses and the South Wales Caving Club whose contributions have kept the Team running.

“On behalf of everyone involved we would like to wish the casualty a swift recovery.”