| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake, Bob | 23 | Male | Not recorded | Not recorded |
On the afternoon of 7 December Steve Wiggins (19), Bob Blake (23) and Leslie Powell (30) rappelled into the 230 foot entrance pit to Engle Double. They did not remain in the cave long, Wiggins ascending first. Blake followed, using a single foot loop and a swiss-seat with Jumars. The seat sling was fastened with a locking carabiner and connected to the Jumar with 5/16 inch nylon rope. This piece of rope had been in fairly frequent use for about two years and looked worn. At only 30 feet from the pit top, one strand of the seat-to-jumar rope broke. Blake prusiked down about five feet to a ledge and replaced the worn piece of rope. Unfortunately, in attaching the new rope it was necessary to open the carabiner gate. Either due to his fatigue or an oversight, or movements in maneuvering on the ledge, the gate did not relock, or became unlocked. When Blake started to ascend again the gate opened and a side loop of the swiss-seat dropped out of a carabiner. He was now held by one foot loop and a long loop under one knee. Holding himself upright against the rope, he called to Wiggins, who lowered a rope to provide a chest-loop belay. After 25 minutes he was able to swing over to another ledge, precarious and sloping, where he waited while Wiggins went for assistance. Four hours after the rope first broke, Blake was rescued from the pit by the Cave. Pit and Cliff Unit (Huntsville Grotto, NSS) of the Madison County Rescue Squad. Powell was also hauled up from the bottom.
Source: William Varnedoe, Jr.
Analysis: A near miss, but one worth reporting. Blake's life was saved by experience and presence of mind. The lesson to be learned is to very carefully inspect your climbing equipment before it wears out in a pit.
This record was last updated on 20th Jul 2024 at 00:15 UTC.