Man Rescued From Fermanagh Cave

The police and members of the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation have achieved a dramatic underground rescue.

They first had to remove rocks with drills and explosives to free the victim, who is said to be originally from Poland, but living in the Republic of Ireland.

The unnamed man - who was unhurt - was pulled from the ground after spending 12 hours trapped some 250 feet into a cave in Fermanagh.

The man was caving with two friends at Gortalughany near Swanlinbar when he became trapped in a crevice on Sunday morning.

The Irish Cave Rescue Organisation (ICRO) is a self-help organisation specialising in cave rescue who have recognised the need for expertise in such situations and who will attend, manage and carry out rescues at the request of the police.

Throughout Ireland cave rescue is the responsibility of the police forces, the Garda Síochána in the Republic and the PSNI in Northern Ireland.

The organisation can be called to any of the caves, potholes, abandoned mines and surface shafts, and other underground cavities that exist within every county in Ireland.

"Occasionally people or animals may get into difficulties in these and may require assistance from experienced personnel," their website said.

It also notes that the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI) is the official representative body for cavers in Ireland and exists to "encourage safe caving at all levels and promote the conservation of Irish caves".

Most members of SUI are also available to ICRO in an emergency and many attend regular rescue training sessions.

SUI is supported by funding from the Irish Sports Council & the Sports Council for Northern Ireland.

(BMCc)