Man rescued after getting stuck in Fermanagh cave

Cave rescue volunteers worked into the early hours of Sunday to free the man

A man has been rescued from a cave in County Fermanagh after a seven-hour mission.

The man, aged in his 20s, was on the return leg of a planned caving trip in a system on the Marlbank on the north side of Cuilcagh Mountain when he became too tired to continue.

More than 20 Irish Cave Rescue Organisation (ICRO) volunteers worked to free him

The caver, who was not injured, was brought safely to the surface at about 03:15 GMT on Sunday and the team was stood down 45 minutes later.

ICRO volunteers from north and south of the border attended the scene

Five ICRO volunteers arrived at the scene about 21:15, and after initial attempts were made to assist the man, volunteers were put on alert across Ireland at 22:45.

ICRO volunteers from both sides of the border helped with the operation, including team members from Larne, Belfast, Dublin, and County Clare.

Rescue techniques

ICRO chairman Stephen McCullagh told BBC News NI the rescue operation was very successful.

He said the operation included finding a way to enlarge the cave itself to create a bigger entrance to rescue the man.

Mr McCullagh said the team had a "number of these gentle rock breaking techniques" which include drilling holes to allow them to get chisels in to break the rocks.

He said after a number of hours using this technique, they were able to "enlarge the entrance itself" and get ropes down to the caver and then haul him to the surface.

"Everybody was very, very pleased there were no injuries, even the person that got stuck, when they came out of the cave they were all smiles...we take that as very positive," he said.