Following reports received over the weekend, CRO members went to check on a ‘highline’ traverse which the team has rigged in Kingsdale Master Cave, in preparation for any possible incident during the upcoming European Speleological Congress (EuroSpeleo 2016). The high line traverse enables safe access and exit in the event of a major flooding event in the Kingsdale system.
Upon inspection, it was found that a substantial section of the traverse rope had been removed, together with many of the karabiners holding it in place. The theft of the equipment is being reported to North Yorkshire Police. The Cave Rescue Organisation condemns most strongly the removal of this essential safety equipment, which potentially places the lives of team members and other cavers at risk, and urge any member of the public with knowledge of this theft to contact the Police.
During Eurospeleo there are going to be many cavers in the area from all parts of Britain and Europe, and the team will as usual be available to deal with any incident which may occur, whether below or above ground.