Five cavers (f, 18 – m,25) were reported overdue in Providence Pot, at 21.29 on Saturday. The afternoon’s rain had melted snow, causing a rapid rise in stream levels. Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association attended and began a search of the Dow – Providence system, later asking CRO to ‘stand by’ and report availability of caving members.
At 04.25 on Sunday, UWFRA asked CRO to assist in the search. Four members of the party were located at about 06.10 and the fifth about 50 minutes later. Their ways out, both forward and back, had been denied them by flood-water. All were in reasonable condition and began a retreat from the system. They were fed and accompanied to the surface, emerging from Providence Pot and all reaching Hag Dyke by 13.00. Here, they were assessed by a Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedic, before being driven down to Kettlewell. They had been underground for about 26 hours.
Volunteer hours: 120 (CRO only. See also www.uwfra.org.uk.)