Rescue teams in Turkey have successfully extracted US citizen Mark Dickey, who was trapped in Morca Cave, the country’s third-deepest cave, for over a week. Dickey had developed severe stomach issues while exploring the cave on September 2.
This rescue operation, involving over 150 individuals, is considered one of the largest and most complex underground rescues ever conducted. Morca Cave’s deepest point, located in a remote southern area, extends nearly 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) underground.
The Turkish Caving Federation reported that Dickey was safely brought out of the cave at 00:37 local time (21:37 GMT). Carl Heitmeyer, part of the New Jersey Initial Response Team led by Dickey, confirmed the successful rescue and expressed gratitude to all involved in the operation.
Dickey recounted his ordeal, stating that at one point, he doubted he would survive as his condition worsened. He described the experience, saying, “The only feeling that I think I have is this curve of ‘Will I live?’… Then I start throwing up blood and blood is coming out in more quantity that you’re going to live with if it keeps happening… I reached a point where I said, ‘I’m not going to live.'”
Dickey’s parents, Debbie and Andy Dickey, expressed immense relief and joy, thanking the international caving community for their support and assistance. They mentioned that their son would receive further medical treatment at a hospital facility after leaving Morca cave.
Dickey had been co-leading an expedition to map a new passage within the cave when he began experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. His condition improved following a blood transfusion, after which he was carefully transported out on a stretcher, navigating tight rock tunnels, and requiring explosives to clear the narrowest passages.
Rescue workers from multiple countries, including Croatia and Hungary, traveled to Turkey to participate in the operation. Dickey’s fiancée, Jessica Van Ord, had remained with him in the cave while he was unwell but later made her way out.
In a video message from inside the cave, Mr. Dickey expressed his gratitude to those working tirelessly to rescue him and credited the quick response of the Turkish government for potentially saving his life.
Rescuers, most of whom are fellow cavers, described the experience as honorable and fulfilling, emphasizing the camaraderie among cavers in such challenging situations. Dr. Zsofia Zador, a Hungarian anaesthesiologist, noted the cave’s difficulty due to narrow passages and muddy shafts but stressed the importance of the successful rescue.
Mark Dickey, a seasoned caver with over two decades of experience, had been an instructor with the US National Cave Rescue Commission for ten years, teaching various cave rescue courses. He was also listed as the body’s International Exchange Program Coordinator on its website.
Dickey had been co-leading the Morca Cave expedition since late August, with the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service providing assistance during the operation.
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