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Three men were brought to safety after a underground operation extending over 30 hours throughout "terrible weather" throughout the tempest.

The veteran spelunkers were stranded inside the difficult Dowber Gill Passage, in the vicinity of the Yorkshire Dales.

Emergency services were alerted around 10 PM that evening when they failed to return with one of their wives contacted authorities.

Volunteer groups reported more than 100 team members took part throughout the "long and difficult" rescue, which was hampered due to worsening weather, water ingress, challenging topography along with prolonged time in the caves.

By the time rescuers located the cavers in the early hours on Friday, increasing floodwaters indicated the most direct path was impassable, requiring everyone involved to backtrack.

Mission coordinator described the way if they'd located the men just an hour or two earlier, everyone might have made it home "in time for breakfast".

"Unfortunately the weather had a different plan in store," he said.

"The immediate danger remained rising waters and in some cases in specific areas within the passage, being overwhelmed by water.

"If waters had increased in those areas, it would have been exceedingly dangerous."

Nearby response units provided support, comprising several trained emergency groups.

Subterranean crews worked in relays to escort the fatigued spelunkers to the surface, while external personnel faced "appalling" elements to keep contact while also coordinate resources.

At one point, rescue personnel erected a barrier employing plastic sheeting to divert swelling floodwaters around the opening.

Initial explorer located emerged safely in the afternoon that Friday, followed by another at 02:30 that Saturday and the third two hours later.

None of them were hurt though operational commander stated they were completely drained due to being cold and wet for 42 hours.

"Needs determined people to endure that experience," he said.

Emergency responders wrapped up the mission at 07:45.

Although the storm was predicted to impact starting Friday, team leaders explained the expedition organized by the explorers was "completely justifiable" considering their expertise and the weather conditions initially.

However, torrential downpours arrived earlier plus with greater force than predicted.

The men disclosed key details about their planned path – beginning their journey to Dow Cave – prior to departure, and rescue coordinators stated this "proved crucial".

"Without that notification from the wife, awareness would have been delayed the cavers hadn't returned before people observed the cars parked near the entrance for several days," he continued.