No injured cavers recorded.
In late March 1977, a large group of cavers was on the Huautla Plateau in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, to explore Sotano de San Agustin. All were equipped for a multi-day stay in the cave. Three entered the cave on March 26th and established a camp at about 1,800 feet. They were joined the next day by three more. On the 28th a group of six entered, but an accident at 1,200 feet (see previous report) resulted in an evacuation of the injured caver. Two of this party had descended a 320 foot drop when the accident occurred at the top of this drop and communication was lost. These two continued on to the camp at 1,800 feet. On the 30th, Warren Heller, who had found his thermal underwear covered by waterproofs unsuited for wet push trips, did not take part in the push but de-rigged a route bypassed by an easier way. When the push crew returned to camp they found he had packed up and gone. It was known that he had to return to a job, but since several others had to leave the following day, there was no reason for him to leave alone. On the 31st, five cavers had reached the end of their planned stay-the end of their food supply. Two drops above camp they came to the base of the longest drop in the cave, a 320 footer, and found no rope. Dismayed, they returned to - 1,800 feet and re-established camp with the two who had not tried to leave. Thus trapped by the missing rope were Richard Schreiber, Gerald Moni, Marion Smith, Steve Knutson, Don Broussard, Bill Steele and Jean Jancewicz (late 20's and early 30's). Regarding food, the situation was not too bad. Some food had been left by previous expeditions and the two who had entered on the 28th had foor for at least several days. The worst problem was that Broussard, a diabetic, had no more insulin. In a few days, perhaps a week, he would go into shock and then die not long after. If the entrapment lasted several days there was a good chance he would have to be evacuated. He had extra insulin on the surface and taught others how to give him injections. On April 2, four cavers couldn't stand the wait and went on a push trip to a new passage near the bottom of the cave. On April 4, several persons went to attempt a climb of the 320 foot pit. A24 This seemed futile as they had only eight bolts and some makeshift chocks for the 320 foot climb. As they reached the bottom of the drop, however, they heard a caver at the top. It was Joseph Lieberz, who was the first of the rescuers recuperating from the evacuation of Blake Harrison to descend to do some caving. Those who wished to leave, including Broussard, left without incident.
Analysis: It appears that Heller, while exiting, used the rope at the 320 foot drop to haul his duffel up after him. On throwing the rope back down, it hung up not far below the lip. Heller had been told that the rope, when thrown down the drop during rigging, would hang up in this way and, in- deed, he was first down this drop on this expedition and found the rope hung up as predicted. Heller contends that the rope got caught on his equipment and was accidentally hauled up. In general, the situation for those trapped was not serious since they could stretch their food supply for many days. Broussard's lack of insulin was quite serious, however, and should never have been allowed to happen. Necessary medication should always be taken in extra supply.