Deep under the idyllic Bavarian countryside a researcher trapped for more than ten days slowly inches to the surface
Johann Westhauser was injured around 1km underground in Germany's deepest cave after a rock fell on him
Now rescuers say he's about to reach the surface
(SOUNDBITE) (German) BAVARIA'S MOUNTAIN RESCUE, ROLAND AMPENBERGER, SAYING:
Once the stretcher is out, the patient will be examined. There are possibilities up there to do that and doctors are already waiting up on the mountain. There are scenarios for all eventualities which ensure his transport, day or night.
Rescuers have had to pull Westhauser on a stretcher inch by inch through the cave's steep and narrow chambers
The final hurdle involves pulling him through a 180 meter steep pass
The rescue team say it will take brute force alone to get the injured man out
And with the end in sight they are making sure they bring him up slowly and safely
