🔗 Share this article

A trio of cavers were successfully rescued after a subterranean mission extending over 30 hours during "appalling conditions" amid Storm Amy.

The veteran spelunkers became trapped inside the demanding underground passage, near the Yorkshire Dales.

Emergency services were alerted at 22:00 BST Thursday night when their expected return didn't happen and a family member contacted authorities.

Rescue organizations confirmed over 100 team members were involved during the demanding operation, that faced obstacles by worsening weather, water ingress, rough terrain along with long hours in the caves.

By the time the men were found during the night on Friday, increasing floodwaters signified the most direct path was inaccessible, requiring the rescuers and the cavers to backtrack.

Mission coordinator explained how if they had reached the explorers just an hour or two earlier, everyone might have made it safely by morning.

"Regrettably conditions took an unexpected turn for us," he said.

"The main threat is flooding and, potentially in particular sections underground, being overwhelmed by water.

"Should flooding have worsened in those places, conditions would have turned exceptionally risky."

Nearby rescue organizations joined the effort, such as several professional rescue organizations.

Cave rescue personnel operated in shifts to guide the tired explorers to the surface, meanwhile surface crews endured "appalling" weather to maintain communication while also coordinate resources.

During the operation, rescue personnel erected a diversion employing protective covering to channel rising flood water past the access point.

The first missing caver was brought to safety around 3:30 PM that Friday, the second in the early morning Saturday morning with the final member a couple hours after.

None of them were hurt but the rescue leader said they were exhausted due to being cold and wet over two days.

"It takes resilient individuals to survive such conditions," he said.

Emergency responders wrapped up the mission around 7:45 AM.

While severe weather was anticipated to impact from Friday afternoon, rescue officials stated the expedition undertaken by the men was "perfectly reasonable" given their experience along with meteorological situation initially.

Yet, significant precipitation begun prematurely while also with greater force than expected.

The cavers had shared crucial information regarding their itinerary – beginning their journey to Dow Cave – prior to departure, with team leaders confirmed that information "saved the day".

"Without that phone call from the relative, it would have taken longer to notice these guys were overdue until people observed vehicles left near the entrance over an extended period," he added.