German cave rescue of Johann Westhauser reaches final stretch

A marathon attempt to rescue an injured man from Germany's deepest cave is about to enter its final stretch, officials have said.

A team bringing Johann Westhauser to the surface has reached an area near the final base station, and will start moving him after a rest period.

Mr Westhauser, 52, was badly hurt in a rockfall on 8 June in the Riesending cave.

For days, the rescuers have carried him through the cave's narrow passages and vertical shafts.

Stephen Evans reports.