THE rescue of five cavers from Providence Pot, near Kettlewell at the weekend was the largest and most complex carried out by volunteers in several years.

The group of five men and women, all aged between 18 and 25 years old, became blocked in the cave system due to rising floodwater.

They were reported overdue at around 9.30pm on Saturday, and were all pulled to safety by 7am on Sunday, having spent 26 hours or so underground.

The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) received the call for help, and then called in the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO). They were assisted by cavers from Derbyshire Cave Rescue, North Yorkshire Fire and the Yorkshire Ambulance service.

A spokesman for UWFRA said the cavers had entered the underground systems early on Saturday, expecting to be out by the evening.

UWFRA received a call from North Yorkshire Police at 9.30pm, after they failed to return.

"A large volume of very cold snow melt water was entering the system and there were real concerns for the safety of the cavers in such cold conditions," said the spokesman.

"Teams entered the cave from both Providence Pot and Dow Cave, intending to search the whole system. However, the flooded Dow Cave was impenetrable. The cavers were located at 6am by a team of four UWFRA rescuers.

"The intention was to exit the cave with them via Dow Cave and a further attempt was made to safely access this end of the system. It became clear that water levels were so high that the only way out was a return trip back to Providence Pot."

Having been carrying out the rescue throughout the night, UWFRA then called for assistance from CRO and the Derbyshire rescue team, who were staying nearby.

The spokesman added: "The seriousness of the situation for the cavers trapped in the system for 26 hours was such that there was a need to be able to provide medical assistance for the management of severe hypothermia and Yorkshire Ambulance Service were involved in preparations for managing five patients simultaneously.

"Fortunately, a testament to the resilience of the cavers involved, there was little need for medical attention and the cavers were able to exit the cave, with assistance from their rescuers on Sunday afternoon."

After spending 26 hours underground in hostile, cold conditions, the cavers, and their rescuers, were given blankets, warm food and drink from Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. They were driven to hospital, but they were not detained and were discharged later the same day.

The spokesman added that UWFRA wanted to thank all its supporters, and particularly the people of Kettlewell for all their help.

"We want to express our tribute to the cavers themselves and their Derbyshire caving colleagues who leapt in to help. Mother's day was spoilt for a few but probably compensated for by the relief at such a good outcome, for the caver's families."