No injured cavers recorded.
Alabama, Cave unknown 1980? This incident may not have occurred in 1980, but deserves notice. Only the essential details were given: "At the top of the 80 foot fourth drop in a seven drop cave approximately half the stitching in the rappel harness ripped loose. Inspection revealed that the portion which failed was sewn with cotton thread.' The rest was sewn with nylon thread and held.
ANALYSIS: The harness was sewn by a shoemaker with the caver stressing and specifying nylon thread. However, when the spool of nylon ran out part way through the job, the shoemaker replaced it with one of cotton. Apparently he didn't understand that someone's life would depend on his work. If you have yours stitched, make sure the worker realizes this!