By Callan Date
AN ENDEAVOUR Hills man was rescued by police early Monday morning after being stranded with his partner in caves in Gippsland.
The 28-year-old was exploring the popular Labertouche Cave with his 31-year-old partner when they were unable to get out of a six-metre deep hole.
The man’s father, Mike, alerted police shortly after 1am when he became concerned that the couple had not returned on time.
Mike, who wished to have his surname withheld, was full of praise for the efforts of the local police and SES workers.
“The police everywhere were really comforting,” Mike said.
“They said don’t panic.
“They were just fantastic. Both Narre Warren Police and the police at the scene.”
Mike said he held grave concerns for the welfare of his son and his partner.
“You just think of the things that could have happened.
“There could have been deep water or a number of other things that could have gone wrong.
“You start thinking what has happened in there and why haven’t they come out. They could have fallen and been injured,” he said.
Local police arrived at the caves about 2am and discovered the couple’s car in the car park but no sign of the explorers.
Labertouche Cave is regarded as one of Victoria’s longest caving systems and an ideal introduction to adventure caving.
A policeman entered the caves and located them very quickly.
He found them unharmed, but very cold.
“The policeman who found them, he threw down his jacket to keep them warm and wouldn’t go back to his own car until they were rescued.
“He waited with them for an hour or more in the cold just to comfort them,” Mike said.
He said he was forever grateful to the SES volunteers that actually rescued the couple from the cave.
“The police and SES just threw so much at it.
“They were wonderful people and they were really efficient.
“I was walking on air when I was told they were safe,” Mike said.
