UPPER Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association had its 70th anniversary celebration cut short to assist two cavers overdue from a trip in Dowbergill passage, near Kettlewell on Saturday.
The passage is a mile long vertical rift that links Providence Pot to Dow Cave
A full team callout was instigated just before midnight and search teams were deployed and began to search the cave from both ends.
Cave Rescue Organisation was also called upon to assist.
Just after 4am the cavers were located in a section of tight streamway just beyond the halfway point of the trip, they were tired and cold but otherwise unharmed.
The combined teams assisted the cavers out of the system with the first casualty reaching the surface at 11.15am and the second at 1.20pm.
The UWFRA and CRO headed down to Kettlewell where the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue welfare vehicle was on hand serving hot food and drinks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here