Caver stuck in Middle Earth

A caver stuck underground near Nelson is conscious but unable to move.

The 47-year-old was exploring and surveying the Green Link/Middle earth cave system under Takaka Hill with three others late yesterday afternoon.

Tasman Search and Rescue coordinator Inspector Hugh Flower says the man was struck by a rock around 5pm and fell, injuring his head and leg. He says the man is about as far down as you can go, which is about three kilometres underground.

Inspector Flower says retrieving him is not going to be an easy task because there are lots of ups and downs and narrow squeezes.

A Search and Rescue team including a doctor has entered the cave and plans to stretcher him out.

The challenges they face include safely executing many vertical lifts and working through narrow passages. Rescuers warn the task will be slow and difficult. It could take anywhere between two and three days to winch the injured man to safety.

- NEWSTALK ZB