| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boon, Mike | Not recorded | Male | Not recorded | Not recorded |
On a Spring expedition to Sumidero Yochib in Chiapas, Mexico, Jim Smith, Mike Van Note, and Bill Steele were pushing along the main stream passage. A 40 foot waterfall, Froth Pot, was just ahead and the group was trying to traverse ledges around it so as to rig the pit out of the water, on the other side. About 40 feet before the falls they had to climb a short but slightly overhanding ledge. The climb was easy but a slip would be disastrous to the one who fell, since he would be swept over the falls. Smith made the climb and anchored a length of nylon webbing to the top. This angled upward from the lower ledge to the upper and was kept in this position only by a "slight bulge"; it was not tied at the bottom. Thus, if one slipped off the wall and held the line he would be saved, but would swing exhilaratingly out over the river below. Van Note suggested placing a bolt to anchor the webbing at both ends to establish a true handline, but this was not done. On the next trip, Bill Steele climbed up to the upper ledge followed by Mike Boon 30's). Boon was unaware of the exact nature of the rigging and was told nothing by Steele. When he climbed up, he used the webbing for a handhold, popped it off the projection and swung out over the water. He was able to hold onto the webbing and climb back up to the ledge.
Analysis: In an original exploration, to push the limits of exploration, one takes whatever chances one thinks appropriate. In this case, to leave an in- adequate rigging for the next party without informing them of its inade- quacies must be judged irresponsible.
webbing loosely attached as handline for short climb above 40ft waterfall. anchor/line condition not communicated to next group and pulled free. climber was able to maintain hold and did not fall, but serious injury could have resulted had he fallen.
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC.