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Three explorers emerged unharmed subsequent to a subterranean mission lasting more than 30 hours in "dreadful circumstances" amid Storm Amy.

The experienced cavers became trapped in the challenging cave system, in the vicinity of North Yorkshire.

The alarm was raised at 22:00 BST that evening when they failed to return and a family member notified emergency services.

Rescue organizations confirmed over 100 team members participated during the demanding operation, that faced obstacles because of storm impacts, rising waters, difficult landscape and extended periods in the caves.

When the men were found during the night that Friday, increasing floodwaters meant the most direct path became blocked, forcing the rescuers and the cavers to find alternative routes.

Rescue team leader explained how if they had reached the explorers just an hour or two earlier, all parties would have returned home "in time for breakfast".

"Sadly conditions took an unexpected turn in store," he stated.

"The primary risk is the water and, potentially in specific areas within the passage, drowning.

"Had the water level risen at those points, conditions would have turned extremely hazardous."

Nearby response units joined the effort, including various trained emergency groups.

Cave rescue personnel rotated continuously to lead the tired explorers back, meanwhile external personnel faced "appalling" elements to maintain communication while also handle supplies.

At one point, team members erected a barrier employing waterproof material to divert swelling floodwaters past the opening.

Initial explorer located emerged safely in the afternoon on Friday, then the next at 02:30 that Saturday and the third a couple hours after.

Each explorer were hurt but team coordinator confirmed they suffered from fatigue following exposed and damp throughout the ordeal.

"Needs a strong man to endure that," he said.

Rescue personnel concluded operations around 7:45 AM.

While severe weather was predicted to take effect later that week, coordinators explained the caving trip planned by the explorers was "perfectly reasonable" given their experience plus the weather conditions on Thursday.

However, heavy rain begun prematurely while also more severely than expected.

The men disclosed crucial information about their planned path – beginning their journey toward their endpoint – before setting off, with team leaders stated this "made the difference".

"Without that notification by the family member, nobody would have known these guys were overdue until someone noticed the cars parked at the location over an extended period," he continued.