In pictures: Germany cave rescue operation
- Published
Two doctors have finally reached an injured man trapped in Germany's deepest cave - the Riesending - since Sunday, mountain rescue officials say.
Johann Westhauser, 52, was hurt by a rock fall in the 1,000m-deep (3,280ft) cave. The officials warn that the rescue operation is likely to last several days, negotiating the cave system's narrow passages and vertical shafts.
After medical checks the doctors will decide when Mr Westhauser is ready for the ascend. It is believed he will be moved gradually from one base station to another until he reaches the surface.
The 19.2km long and 1,148m deep Riesending cave - "massive thing" in German - is in the Unterberg mountain range on the border with Austria. Narrow tunnels can only be reached by abseiling down.
Rescuers were earlier flown by helicopter to the cave's entrance...
They set up a tent camp serving as the headquarters for the rescue operation.