Suez Canal Blockage Causes Grave Concern for Cavers

Cavers across the UK are panicking this week as the blocking of the Suez canal by the Ever-given container ship continues with no end in sight.

It's no secret that 95% of all caving gear used within the UK and Europe comes through the canal on its way from Reunion Island, and shops around the country are already starting to show empty shelves.

Shoney Yeddon, owner of Moonless Lake - arguably the UK's most convenient caving shop and the only one offering drone deliveries - is starting to feel the squeeze. "We've only got 200 harnesses left, and last I checked we were down to less than 1000 km of rope in stock" he said. "At our normal pace that will only see us fed for about a week. If things aren't solved by then, we're going to have to eat the kids" said Yeddon, with tears welling up.

The effects of such an incident are far wider ranging here in Europe now than they would have been 20 years ago. Prior to 2010, most caving gear in the UK was developed and manufactured in caver's kitchens across the country, but the increase in popularity of cavers having romantic relationships meant that lathes were no longer welcome on the countertop. The self-sufficient manufacturing industry here at home gradually moved away and now such supplies are entirely reliant on international shipping.

The next few weeks are going to be crucial for UK caving. We at Dankness Below are hoping the crisis will be over soon.