Hi Rick
The comment I made previously stands, but I've had some thoughts which would apply if a workable solution for recovering the body can be found. I have been temporarily caught myself in a tight horizontal passage (of a similar nature to those described in Nutty Putty Cave) during original exploration but was able to free myself on my own. These are my thoughts:
If the rock has fractured once, then it can do the same again for the same load ? so spread the load when anchoring the pulley used for the vertical haul by employing a Y-hang, loaded evenly.
Whilst the holes are being drilled for the Y-hang, have several people at the same time with small lump hammers (and chisels if required) knocking hell out of any flakes or projections which might cause problems during the most difficult part of the haul. This is not about minimal impact or cave conservation but about getting the job done ? treat each smash as if it is sorting out the rock which did for John Jones during the original rescue haul.
After the bolts are in place and the hammering done, clear the crawl of any loose stuff using a drag tray with ropes on either end. Clear everything loose out of the passage. Have someone now assess whether the route is sufficiently open for the haul to succeed. If they think not, then use whatever means are at your disposal to remove any final obstructions. We use explosive bolts placed in drilled holes to split rock where blasting fumes could be a hazard. Make sure to remove all debris.
Afterwards, if possible, line as much of the floor of the crawl, especially where the vertical haul becomes horizontal, with conveyor belt, such as the type which is used in mines for bringing coal and ore back to the surface. The loose end above the vertical drop should especially be bolted down so it won't ruckle up and catch during the haul. Pay especial attention where two sections of mat have to be joined, perhaps again by bolting down any loose ends. Any mud around (but not stones) should help to ease movement across the surface of the matting.
You'll have to work on the mechanism for converting the vertical haul to a horizontal pull. Could a wide-angle camera be set up out of the way, at the top of the vertical drop, to help assess how well things are going? It would be better to use a short-range transmitter for relaying the image, rather than a cable which might get tangled up during the haul. There may also be rope/wire rub points in the crawl, which could be tested for, prior to the haul proper, and protected using a small piece of matting material.
The rest depends on the situation ? with which I'm not familiar. Could any of the above help?
But if the local rescue team reckons that there is no workable scheme ? then go with their views first and foremost.
Clive Gardener
SECRO Warden
Very sobering R.I.P
