Rescuers help a Caver out of a Mine

[L Roebuck]

Outdoor pursuit ends in rescue
By Newsdesk

RESCUERS helped a caver get out of a disused mineshaft near Malham.

Three outdoor pursuit enthusiasts went down Pikedaw Calamine Mine. But, when they tried to leave the mine, one of the cavers was unable to climb the 60ft wire ladder to get out.

The alarm was raised and Cave Rescue Organisation was called at 4.30pm following a short delay because the original call was routed to the Coastguard. All members of the party were brought safely back to Malham, cold but unharmed.

Article

[Brian Roebuck]

That just reinforces how much I hate cable ladders! Glad they got out OK regardless.

[Tony Anders]

I wonder if the caver was just physically unable to climb the ladder or got spooked? I know from experience on radio towers that it is physically demanding climbing straight up, unlike climbing on a ladder to get on a house top.

[madratdan]

Cable ladders are not the easiest beast to climb. I'm wondering if the guy had ever tried to climb one above ground first. Too many times, people try this type of thing underground without any practice.

[jonsdigs]

Here's some sites about the Pikedaw Calamine Mine.
Reference
Trip Report

[guanonoggin]

drbeaner said:

That just reinforces how much I hate cable ladders! Glad they got out OK regardless.

Dudes - I'm with Beaner, cable ladders bite the big one man!

Glad they pulled the guy out though.

;D