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A trio of cavers were brought to safety subsequent to a subterranean mission extending over 30 hours in "appalling conditions" during Storm Amy.

The veteran spelunkers were stranded inside the demanding cave system, close to the Yorkshire Dales.

Concerns were reported around 10 PM Thursday night when they didn't come back with a relative notified emergency services.

Emergency response teams reported over 100 volunteers took part throughout the "long and difficult" operation, that encountered difficulties due to storm impacts, water ingress, rough terrain along with extended periods in the caves.

By the time the men were found in the predawn period on Friday, swelling water conditions indicated the easiest exit route was impassable, requiring both teams to find alternative routes.

Operation commander detailed the way if they'd located the explorers just an hour or two earlier, they all could have been safely by morning.

"Unfortunately the weather had other ideas for us," he stated.

"The immediate danger was rising waters and, potentially in particular sections within the passage, drowning.

"Had the water level risen in those areas, the situation would have become extremely hazardous."

Neighbouring caving teams were called for assistance, such as various trained response teams.

Subterranean crews rotated continuously to guide the tired explorers back, meanwhile external personnel faced "terrible elements to ensure coordination and handle supplies.

At a critical moment, rescue personnel built a barrier with plastic sheeting to channel increasing waters away from the opening.

Initial explorer located was brought to safety around 3:30 PM on Friday, then the next at 02:30 Saturday morning and the last explorer two hours later.

None of them were injured though operational commander stated they suffered from fatigue following exposed and damp over two days.

"Needs resilient individuals to survive such conditions," he remarked.

The team finally stood down in the morning.

Although severe weather had been forecast to arrive from Friday afternoon, coordinators stated the expedition planned by the men proved "completely justifiable" accounting for their expertise and meteorological situation that day.

Yet, torrential downpours arrived earlier while also with greater force than predicted.

The explorers provided key details about their planned path – starting at one location to their destination – before setting off, while rescue coordinators stated these details "made the difference".

"Without that phone call from the wife, nobody would have known the explorers were missing until people observed automobiles stationed near the entrance for a couple of days," he concluded.