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Three explorers were successfully rescued subsequent to a underground operation extending over 30 hours during "dreadful circumstances" during Storm Amy.

The veteran spelunkers were stranded inside the difficult underground passage, in the vicinity of North Yorkshire.

Emergency services were alerted at 22:00 BST Thursday night as they didn't come back with one of their wives called authorities.

Emergency response teams reported over 100 volunteers were involved during the demanding rescue, which was hampered because of worsening weather, flooding, difficult landscape along with extended periods underground.

When the men were found in the early hours that Friday, rising water levels indicated the easiest exit route was impassable, forcing everyone involved to retrace their steps.

Operation commander detailed how had they found the men a bit earlier, all parties would have returned safely by morning.

"Regrettably the storm took an unexpected turn ahead," he commented.

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

"Should flooding have worsened in those areas, it would have been exceptionally risky."

Adjacent response units joined the effort, including several professional response teams.

Subterranean crews rotated continuously to lead the tired explorers to safety, meanwhile surface crews endured "dreadful conditions to keep contact while also manage logistics.

During the operation, rescue personnel erected a barrier with protective covering to divert swelling floodwaters past the access point.

First trapped individual was rescued in the afternoon on Friday, followed by another in the early morning that Saturday and the last explorer two hours later.

All three individuals sustained injuries however team coordinator said they were exhausted after being exposed and damp throughout the ordeal.

"Requires resilient individuals to withstand such conditions," he remarked.

The team wrapped up the mission around 7:45 AM.

While severe weather had been forecast to take effect later that week, team leaders explained the exploration undertaken by the men proved "entirely appropriate" considering their expertise and the weather conditions initially.

Nevertheless, heavy rain arrived earlier and with greater force than predicted.

The men provided important specifics of their route – beginning their journey toward their endpoint – prior to departure, with rescue coordinators confirmed this "saved the day".

"Without that phone call from the relative, awareness would have been delayed the explorers were missing before somebody saw vehicles left at the location over an extended period," he concluded.