A journey into the depths
A group of speleologists from the Bages region, formed by Lluís Roqueta, Marc Garriga, David Ribas and Jordi Bonet, has achieved an impressive milestone: accessing the bottom of the Gouffre Berger, one of the most fascinating cavities in the world, which it goes 1,122 meters underground.
The expedition: dates and details
The adventure took place between August 7 and 11, with the entrance to the cave scheduled for the morning of the 8. After several hours of effort, the team managed to reach the deepest point of the cavity at 6:00 p.m., located at a depth of 1,100 meters.
The camp and the experiences
The explorers set up camp at a depth of 494 meters, where they spent the night before returning to the surface the next day at 5:30 p.m. Roqueta shared his impressions of the cavity, noting that it ‘presents technical and other more accessible sections, with immense rooms that show an exceptional morphological richness’.
The story of the Gouffre Berger
Located in Engins, in the Vercors massif of the French Alps, the Gouffre Berger was discovered in 1953 by a team led by Joseph Berger. Its natural beauty and the complexity of its relief have made it a place of interest for many speleologists.
Risks and warnings
Roqueta warned about the risks associated with exploring the cave, mentioning that ‘the area less than 800 meters away can be particularly dangerous, with the possibility of flooding during storms’. He also recalled that six deaths have been recorded in this cavity due to flooding, making it one of the deadliest in the world.
Technical difficulties
The most notable difficulties faced by cavers include the handrails located on the meanders and ramps of the large rooms, which require great skill and caution.
Final reflections on exploration
The bravery and preparation of the Bagen team have highlighted the appeal and dangers of speleology. As adventurers discover more about these cavities, the scientific community and nature lovers alike can appreciate the importance of protecting these unique environments.
