Concerns over unsafe cave

[L Roebuck]

Concerns over unsafe cave
15/11/2005 16:06:03

Search and rescue officials on the West Coast are concerned that competitors in an adventure race have been given the go-ahead to use an unsafe cave.

The Department of Conservation has approved the race going through the Te Tahi cave near Westport later this week.

But police are criticising the move, believing the safety of competitors is at risk.

Tasman District Search and Rescue Coordinator Russell Tucker hopes race organisers have a rescue plan if something goes wrong.

He says otherwise it will fall to the same people who have opposed the move.

Source: www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=84154

[L Roebuck]

A couple more articles.

Police fear for athletes in adventure race cave run
Experienced cavers and police are demanding a dangerous underground leg of the world adventure race be axed – fearing for the safety of the international athletes.
tinyurl.com/7frdr


Adventure Racing: World Championship Organisers Reject Unsubstantiated Caving Claims
A 'misinformation campaign' is being run against the Adventure Racing World Championship organisation's plans to hold a caving section during the event which is currently being held on the West Coast of the Southern Alps.

Permission was granted by the Department of Conservation last week to use the well known Te Tahi Cave near Westport during the race on Thursday.

ARWorld Series director Geoff Hunt has reacted to statements from the New Zealand Speleological Society and the Tasman District Search and Rescue organisation, which claim DOC should review the decision, because of concerns for the safety of the competitors and further concerns that acceptable safety practices would not be used.
tinyurl.com/cqbog