Mustafa Unal Uysal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images(NEW YORK) Mark Dickey, 40, had been trapped inside the Morca Cave in southern Turkey s Taurus Mountains since Aug. 31, when he fell ill more than 3,400 feet below the surface, according to the New Jersey Initial Response Team, a group he leads.
"It is amazing to be above ground again," Dickey told reporters after the rescue, according to Reuters. "I was underground far longer than ever expected."
Dickey was extracted from the cave around 12:37 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the Turkish Caving Federation announced, describing the operation as "successful."
"We congratulate all those who contributed!" the caving organization said.
As of late Tuesday morning, Dickey remains hospitalized in intensive care unit in the southern port city of Mersin for further examination and observation. He is in good condition, according to Turkish authorities.
Dickey will hold a press conference on Wednesday morn
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Mustafa Unal Uysal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images(NEW YORK) Mark Dickey, 40, had been trapped inside the Morca Cave in southern Turkey s Taurus Mountains since Aug. 31, when he fell ill more than 3,400 feet below the surface, according to the New Jersey Initial Response Team, a group he leads.
"It is amazing to be above ground again," Dickey told reporters after the rescue, according to Reuters. "I was underground far longer than ever expected."
Dickey was extracted from the cave around 12:37 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the Turkish Caving Federation announced, describing the operation as "successful."
"We congratulate all those who contributed!" the caving organization said.
As of late Tuesday morning, Dickey remains hospitalized in intensive care unit in the southern port city of Mersin for further examination and observation. He is in good condition, according to Turkish authorities.
Dickey will hold a press conference on Wednesday morn