Fisherman Survives 15 Days in Underwater Cave
A Mexican man has been rescued after being trapped in an underwater cave for 15 days.
On 23 July, Erasto Crisanto Valdez was fishing with his father at a cenote – a limestone sinkhole – near San Francisco La Paz in Mexico’s Uxpanapa region.
Valdez entered an underwater cave with a small breathing cylinder and a spear in pursuit of a common snook, but started experiencing disorientation. Unable to find an exit tunnel, he survived within the cave by drinking from an underground stream and utilising an air pocket.
Meanwhile, his father alerted the Uxpanapa municipal government, which launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation that soon involved divers from the Mexican Navy.
Although these operations faced obstacles, including poor visibility, the rescue teams continued until 7 August, when Valdez was ultimately discovered in the cave.
With the aid of specialist cave divers, the 31-year-old fisherman was rescued from the cave and brought to the surface.
He was immediately transported to a local hospital to be treated for dehydration and malnourishment. According to reports, he is recovering at home.
“Erasto survived 15 days without any light, just water, waiting for a rescue,” said Harry Gust, one of the specialist divers who rescued Valdez. “There are a lot more details that will be shared in the future.”
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