Part 9/15:
By the second day, the rescuers faced an uphill battle against hard bedrock, which delayed their progress. In a bid to locate Donald’s pulse, a nurse entered the cave armed with a machine but failed to detect one. As Donald’s condition worsened, rescuers escalated their methods, resorting even to using dynamite.
Finally, on Tuesday morning, two days after Donald had become trapped, rescuers reached him, but it was too late. He had succumbed to hypothermia.
Reflection
The Crooked Swamp incident highlights the perils of caving, particularly in situations where rescue efforts are hindered by environmental factors. It serves as a solemn reminder that despite our bravado and experience, the unpredictable nature of caves can lead to heartbreaking consequences.