A cave researcher in Southwest Texas was rescued early Sunday after being trapped nearly 17 hours and almost 470 feet underground. She was injured when a rock broke loose and struck her helmet and back as she climbed out of the cave’s deepest section.
Specialized Border Patrol rescue personnel reached her group around 3 a.m., guiding them through narrow corridors and coordinating with crews on the surface. She emerged from the cave at about 5 a.m. and was transported across rugged terrain to emergency medical teams. She was later airlifted for further care and is now in stable condition in the ICU.