Four hours of fighting for life. Drama in the Salmopolska Cave
A spelunker who got stuck in the Salmopolska Cave was trapped underground for four hours while rescuers from the Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service fought for his life.
On Saturday, around 6:30 p.m., emergency services received information about a dangerous incident in the Salmopolska Cave in the Beskids. During the exploration, one of the expedition participants got stuck in an extremely tight passage and was unable to get out on his own.
Already fifteen minutes after receiving the report, the first team of rescuers from the Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service (GOPR) appeared on site. Soon later, other teams joined the action.
Rescuers emphasized that the situation was very difficult. “In a short time, we managed to reach the injured person, who had slipped into a crevice in a narrow passage. (…) Attempts to get out of the trap on his own and with the help of his companions led to the loss of strength and further sliding into the depths, which resulted in the complete immobilization of the speleologist,” said the press service of the Beskidzka GOPR Group.
Four hours of fighting for life underground
The rescue operation was complicated and required the use of specialized equipment. Rescuers built a rope system that allowed the man to be pulled out gradually. Initial attempts did not bring results – the capper was exhausted and unable to cooperate. Only when you managed to support one of his legs was it possible to slowly and safely pull him out of the trap.
At around 9:00 p.m., the injured man managed to get to the surface. Rescuers immediately started warming him and assessing his health condition. After a short rest, the man was able to move on his own.
The end of the campaign and the GOPR appeal
The entire operation ended around 9:40 p.m. The injured party was examined on site – his condition was determined to be good, but as a precautionary measure he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.
A total of 23 GOPR rescuers participated in the activities, of which fifteen worked directly inside the cave.
Rescuers from the Beskidzka Group remind you that in the event of an accident in the mountains, you should immediately call for help by calling the free emergency number 985 or 601 100 300.
