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A trio of cavers were brought to safety after a subterranean mission extending over 30 hours in "appalling conditions" throughout the severe weather system.

The experienced cavers were stranded in the challenging Dowber Gill Passage, in the vicinity of Grassington.

The alarm was raised in the evening on Thursday after they failed to return with a relative called the police.

Emergency response teams reported in excess of 100 volunteers took part during the "long and difficult" mission, that encountered difficulties due to storm impacts, flooding, challenging topography and extended periods below surface.

By the time the explorers were discovered in the predawn period of Friday, rising water levels indicated the most direct path was impassable, compelling the rescuers and the cavers to retrace their steps.

Rescue team leader detailed how if they'd located the explorers a bit earlier, all parties would have returned home "in time for breakfast".

"Unfortunately the weather had other ideas ahead," he commented.

"The main threat remained the water and, potentially in certain parts underground, being overwhelmed by water.

"Should flooding have worsened at those points, it would have been exceptionally risky."

Adjacent rescue organizations joined the effort, comprising various trained rescue organizations.

Subterranean crews operated in shifts to escort the tired explorers to safety, meanwhile external personnel endured "dreadful elements to ensure coordination and handle supplies.

At a critical moment, volunteers constructed a diversion using protective covering to carry increasing waters around the access point.

First trapped individual was rescued around 3:30 PM Friday afternoon, followed by another in the early morning on Saturday and the last explorer subsequently.

None of them sustained injuries though team coordinator confirmed they were completely drained after being cold and wet over two days.

"It takes determined people to endure such conditions," he said.

Emergency responders wrapped up the mission around 7:45 AM.

While the storm had been forecast to arrive later that week, coordinators said the expedition planned by the explorers had been "entirely appropriate" considering their expertise plus the weather conditions initially.

Nevertheless, heavy rain arrived earlier plus more severely than predicted.

The explorers disclosed key details regarding their itinerary – from Providence Pot toward their endpoint – prior to departure, while officials said this "saved the day".

"Without that notification by the family member, nobody would have known the cavers hadn't returned until people observed the cars parked near the entrance over an extended period," he added.