American Explorer Trapped in Turkey's Third Deepest Cave

Over 150 rescue workers are racing against time today, Thursday, to reach an American who became ill and is trapped 1,000 meters underground in a cave he was exploring in southern Turkey. The Turkish Cave Union (TUMAF) stated in a statement that Mark Dickey, 40, was on an international mission to explore Morca Cave in the Taurus Mountains when he began suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding. Union president Bulent Genc told Reuters, "Several international teams, including Croatians and Italians, are assisting with the operations. The man is at a depth of about 1,000 meters, and they are dividing the ascent operation into seven sections." Genc added, "They expect the (rescue operations) to take ten days, but it could take less time if the man improves or longer if his condition worsens," noting that Dickey's condition has improved and he is now able to stand on his own. The union reported that a phone line has been set up to reach a depth of 1,040 meters and that Croatian rescuers are preparing an alternative communication system. It was mentioned that the medics on site will decide whether it is possible to bring Dickey out without a stretcher. Footage from the rescue operation showed Turkish and international teams setting up tents and wires outside the cave, which is the third deepest pit in Turkey and rises 2,140 meters high.