Mendip Cave Rescue received a message from Wiltshire Police at 17:30 on Wednesday 20th February, regarding an incident involving a lost dog near Box Stone Mines. A Jack Russell terrier had apparently entered a small hole more than a day earlier and could be heard barking, but efforts to extract him had so far failed. Four local cavers met at Quarry Hill, Box at 18:15 as Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service were departing. The Jack Russell (called "Patch") could be heard intermittently through a small hole clogged with leaf litter at the base of a rock outcrop. On inspection of the site it was decided that Patch did not get into the hole that way, so a search for an alternative way in was undertaken. A small, very old, low entry on the south side of the outcrop seemed most likely, so one caver crawled in calling to Patch, and coaxed him towards the entrance. A couple of minutes later Patch appeared on the surface for a slightly tearful reunion with his owners. Patch appeared uninjured and none the worse for its stay underground, and the incident was closed at 19:03.
Photographs of Patch kindly provided by Derek Hawkins
Mendip Cave Rescue received a SARCALL message from Avon and Somerset Police at 18:24 on Sunday 2nd September 2018, on behalf of their colleagues from Wiltshire Police (who don't currently use SARCALL) for an incident at Box Stone Mines. Two people had entered the mines but were unable to retrace their route to the entrance, and instead found their way to the nearby Lady Hamiltons entrance that was gated preventing their exit. They were, however, able to get a mobile phone signal from within the mine to call for assistance. Two experienced local cavers who know the area well were able to attend the scene and quickly escort the pair to the surface. Mendip Cave Rescue were supported by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, and the incident was closed at 19:31 with everyone safely back on the surface.
Mendip Cave Rescue were called by Avon and Somerset Police at 21:28 on Tuesday 19th June 2018 for an incident in Goatchurch Cavern in Burrington Combe. A party of two had entered the cave via the Main entrance, and then attempted to exit the cave via the alternative Tradesmen’s entrance. Due to the polished nature of the rock they found that they were unable climb out, but managed to raise the alarm to their friends outside, who in turn called the Police for assistance. Mendip Cave Rescue attended, with two Wardens entering the cave and providing a handline and lifeline to assist with the climb. Mendip Cave Rescue were supported by Avon Fire and Rescue and South West Ambulance HART team, and the incident was closed at 22:39 with everyone safely back on the surface.
Mendip Cave Rescue were called by Avon and Somerset Police at 11:21 on 15th May 2018 for an incident in Wookey Hole Caves in Wookey Hole. A member of the public had slipped within the show cave and had sustained minor injuries and required assistance in exiting the cave. Mendip Cave Rescue attended and stood by to provide specialist assistance if required by the fire brigade who were assisting the person from the cave. The incident was closed at 11:56 with the person safely back on the surface.
Mendip Cave Rescue were called by Avon and Somerset Police at 11:58 on Sunday 29th April 2018 for an incident in Sidcot Swallet in Burrington Combe. A party of three had entered and explored the cave and one of them became unable to climb out of the Lobster Pot on the return journey. After several attempts at extricating himself, the two other cavers left the cave and called the Police for assistance. Mendip Cave Rescue attended, with two Wardens entering the cave and providing an extra “foothold” so he could climb the Pot. Mendip Cave Rescue were supported by Avon Fire and Rescue and South West Ambulance HART team, and the incident was closed at 13:18 with everyone safely back on the surface.