🔗 Share this article Cavers Safe After 30-Hour Mission Amid British Tempest Swelling water conditions created serious challenges Three explorers were brought to safety subsequent to a underground operation continuing for 30 hours in "appalling conditions" during the tempest. The veteran spelunkers were stranded inside the demanding cave system, near Grassington. Concerns were reported at 22:00 BST that evening when they failed to return with a family member called emergency services. More than 100 rescue personnel from multiple emergency groups participated Emergency response teams confirmed in excess of 100 team members took part throughout the "long and difficult" operation, which was hampered due to worsening weather, flooding, rough terrain along with prolonged time underground. At the moment rescuers located the cavers in the early hours on Friday, increasing floodwaters signified the most direct path was impassable, requiring the rescuers and the cavers to retrace their steps. Mission coordinator detailed the way had they found the explorers a bit earlier, they all could have been back for morning meal. "Sadly the storm had a different plan in store," he commented. "The main threat remained the water and, potentially in specific areas underground, drowning. "If waters had increased at those points, conditions would have turned exceptionally risky." Team coordinator says underground operations don't happen often locally Neighbouring rescue organizations were called for assistance, comprising various trained response teams. Subterranean crews operated in shifts to lead the tired explorers to safety, meanwhile external personnel experienced "dreadful conditions to keep contact plus coordinate resources. At a critical moment, rescue personnel erected a diversion using plastic sheeting to carry rising flood water away from the cave entrance. Volunteers constructed a barrier and used waterproof covering to divert rising waters away from the opening Initial explorer located was brought to safety at 15:30 BST Friday afternoon, then the next at 02:30 Saturday morning and the last explorer a couple hours after. All three individuals were hurt but operational commander stated they were exhausted after being chilled and soaked for 42 hours. "Needs a strong man to withstand such conditions," he remarked. The team finally stood down around 7:45 AM. While severe weather had been forecast to impact starting Friday, rescue officials said the expedition planned by the explorers had been "entirely appropriate" accounting for their experience and meteorological situation initially. Nevertheless, significant precipitation came sooner and with greater force than expected. The men disclosed crucial information about their planned path – beginning their journey to Dow Cave – prior to departure, and team leaders confirmed that information "proved crucial". "Absent that alert from the wife, nobody would have known these guys were overdue before someone noticed the cars parked at the location over an extended period," he continued.