03/09/2026
🚨 Incident 30/08/2026 – Caver trapped by rockfall (Ogof Gwynt Yr Eira)
At around 1400 on Sunday, SMWCRT were alerted by Dyfed-Powys Police of a caver trapped by rockfall in Ogof Gwynt Yr Eira. Team members stationed at the South Wales Caving Club at the time were dispatched and arrived shortly on scene, followed by members alerted by SARCALL.
The casualty had been pinned by their helmet by a sizable boulder at the head of a pitch and could not free themself. On arrival, team members established communication lines to the casualty underground and began the careful process of digging them free. Throughout the rescue, team members kept the casualty warm and comfortable, monitoring their condition until they could be safely freed from the rockfall. As a precaution, the cave entrance was also dug out in case a stretcher carry was required to bring the casualty to the surface, which was thankfully not needed.
Once freed, the casualty was assessed by medics and was found well enough to make an assisted exit after they had recovered their energy. They exited the cave at 0015 Monday morning, over 10 hours after the alert was first raised. Our thanks go to all team members involved, as well as the Welsh Ambulance service, the Hazardous Area Response Team, and Dyfed-Powys Police for their support during this rescue.
SMWCRT is a voluntary organisation providing assistance to people and animals in need underground. The Team relies on the donations from members of the public to fund our essential life-saving rescue service.
