It would be a nightmare for many – it’s not uncommon for cavers to get stuck in a cave. For three experts from Poland, the Lamprechtshöhle in Austria becomes a trap.
St. Martin bei Lofer – Three speleologists from Poland are stuck in the Lamprechtshöhle in Austria. The members of a registered expedition can no longer go outside
Melt water has penetrated the passage system and a cave lake now filled to the ceiling blocks the way back, as the state of Salzburg announced. “We are optimistic because the researchers are well equipped, can deal with the situation as full professionals and there are rescue niches with blankets and emergency equipment in the cave,” said the head of the Salzburg Cave Rescue Service, Monika Feichtner.
The Lamprechts Cave in St. Martin bei Lofer is 60 kilometers long and is one of the deepest caves in the world.
No dramatic situation
Four cave divers were requested by the state of Salzburg for further use. They should get to the trapped people and find out how they are doing and take care of them if necessary. It can be assumed that there is no dramatic situation, said head of operations Gernot Salzmann on the oe24 station. According to the authorities, the three speleologists have been among the best connoisseurs of the Lamprechts Cave for decades. They wanted to collect rock samples on a tour planned for 20 hours.
With the colder temperatures – as they are expected at least in the next few days – the water level should soon drop again and the way back should be free, it said. However, it is difficult to make an exact forecast. “In any case, you can’t dive out, because you have to be an absolute specialist for that and that’s not necessary from the current perspective,” said Wolfgang Gadermayr, cave rescuer and geologist. dpa
