The 47-year-old caver wedged more than three kilometres underground near Nelson is Doctor Michael Brewer, the local GP in Motueka, and an experienced caver. Dr Brewer has back and head injuries and can not move.
Dr Brewer was exploring and surveying the Green Link/Middle earth cave system underTakaka Hill with three others late yesterday afternoon
Tasman Search and Rescue coordinator Inspector Hugh Flower says Dr Brewer was struck by a rock around 5pm and fell, injuring his head and leg. Mr Flower says he is about as far down as you can go, and retrieving him is not going to be an easy task because there are lots of ups and downs and narrow squeezes. A communications team is expected to reach the injured doctor some time this evening.
A Search and Rescue team including another doctor has also entered the cave and plans to stretcher Dr Brewer 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.
