Incident 7th February 2026

Mendip Cave Rescue were called by Avon and Somerset Police via SARCALL at 14:24 on 7th February 2026 requesting assistance for three cavers who were cold and exhausted, but uninjured, beneath the 20 foot pitch in Swildon's Hole, Priddy. They were appropriately equipped but too tired to climb the ladder pitch safely with the very wet conditions underground following recent persistent rainfall.  Fifteen team members attended the rescue, with six being deployed underground, further team members were put on standby should the incident have needed to be escalated to a full team response. The six cave rescuers from MCR entered the cave with extra rigging equipment for the pitch, warming equipment, group shelter & high energy food.  The team assisted the group up the 20 foot pitch and out of the cave, and other team members were stood down at 17:24. MCR would like to thank the group for recognising the early signs of cold and exhaustion and calling the team out at the earliest opportunity, hence avoiding what could have been a much more serious rescue.