What happened to the cavers trapped in the Dowber Gill Passage?

The cavers were trapped underground for 42 hours due to flooding caused by Storm Amy, but were eventually rescued after a 30-hour operation involving over 100 volunteers.

How did Storm Amy impact the UK?

Storm Amy wreaked havoc across the country, leaving more than 85,000 homes without power and causing widespread disruption to transportation networks.

Who led the rescue mission for the trapped cavers?

The rescue mission was led by Derek Hammond, the rescue team leader, who expressed regret that the cavers could not be rescued an hour or two earlier.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Cavers Rescued After 42-Hour Ordeal in Flooded Cave

Cavers Rescued After 42-Hour Ordeal in Flooded Cave

6 Oct, 2025

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Summary

3 cavers trapped underground for 42 hours due to Storm Amy flooding
Rescue mission lasted 30 hours with over 100 volunteers
Cavers located at 2:30 AM on Friday but rescue efforts hampered by weather

On October 6th, 2025, a group of 3 cavers found themselves trapped underground for 42 hours due to flooding caused by Storm Amy. The alarm was raised on Thursday evening when the cavers failed to return, prompting a massive rescue operation.

Over 100 volunteers from various rescue teams, including the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team, and the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service, worked tirelessly to locate and extract the trapped cavers. The rescue mission lasted a grueling 30 hours, with the cavers finally being located at 2:30 AM on Friday.

However, the rescue efforts were frustrated by the worsening weather, flooding, and rough terrain. Crews on the surface had to deal with "appalling" conditions to maintain communication with the teams underground, who worked in relays to guide the cavers back to safety.