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A trio of cavers were brought to safety after a subterranean mission lasting more than 30 hours during "terrible weather" throughout Storm Amy.

The veteran spelunkers found themselves stuck within the difficult Dowber Gill Passage, near North Yorkshire.

Concerns were reported in the evening that evening as they failed to return while a family member called authorities.

Rescue organizations confirmed more than 100 volunteers participated during the challenging mission, that encountered difficulties due to worsening weather, rising waters, rough terrain along with long hours in the caves.

By the time rescuers located the cavers in the early hours of Friday, swelling water conditions indicated the easiest exit route became blocked, requiring both teams to backtrack.

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

"Unfortunately conditions had other ideas ahead," he said.

"The main threat was the water and possibly in certain parts within the passage, being overwhelmed by water.

"If waters had increased in those areas, it would have been exceptionally risky."

Neighbouring caving teams were called for assistance, including multiple specialist rescue organizations.

The underground teams operated in shifts to guide the exhausted cavers to the surface, while surface crews faced "dreadful weather to ensure coordination and coordinate resources.

At a critical moment, volunteers erected a dam using protective covering to carry swelling floodwaters past the opening.

Initial explorer located was rescued around 3:30 PM on Friday, then the next at 02:30 that Saturday and the last explorer subsequently.

None of them were hurt however team coordinator confirmed they were exhausted due to being chilled and soaked over two days.

"It takes determined people to survive such conditions," he noted.

Rescue personnel wrapped up the mission in the morning.

Although the storm had been forecast to take effect from Friday afternoon, team leaders said the caving trip undertaken by the cavers proved "completely justifiable" considering their experience along with atmospheric circumstances initially.

Nevertheless, torrential downpours begun prematurely and with greater force than expected.

The men had shared crucial information about their planned path – beginning their journey to their destination – ahead of their expedition, and rescue coordinators stated this "saved the day".

"Without that phone call by the family member, awareness would have been delayed the explorers were missing till people observed automobiles stationed near the entrance over an extended period," he added.