Spaniard rescued after 12 days in deep Peru cave

LEIMEBAMBA, Peru -- A Spanish scientist and cave explorer has been freed after being trapped more than 1,300 feet underground for nearly two weeks in the Peruvian Amazon.

Rescuers used a pulley to bring 44-year-old Cecilio Lopez to the surface on Tuesday, 12 days after he fell while exploring the Inti Machay cave. Doctors said Lopez, a well-known speleologist, injured two lumbar vertebrae in the fall.

An international team of more than 100 people, including 58 Spaniards who traveled to South America to help, cheered and hugged each other in excitement as Lopez emerged.

Bad weather in the area made the recovery mission more difficult. The cave is located about 376 miles northeast of Peru's capital, Lima, and nearly 1,000 feet above sea level.

After being lifted from the cave by a pulley and stabilized by doctors, Lopez was flown by an air force helicopter to Lima for additional medical treatment.

Lopez said he hopes to recover quickly so he can continue exploring the area, a rescue worker told Reuters.