Cantabria, Spain - June 24, 2024

In a remarkable rescue operation, two cave explorers from Castilla y Leon, Alfonso and Paloma, both in their 40s, were found unharmed on Monday afternoon after being missing for two days inside a cave in Soba. The duo, who had become disoriented while attempting to exit the cave, decided to stay put and await rescue.

The search, involving nearly 60 personnel including members of the mountain rescue group (GREIM) of the Civil Guard and the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), intensified after the pair failed to emerge from the cave as scheduled on Saturday. A friend raised the alarm early Sunday morning, prompting a comprehensive search and rescue effort coordinated by the Cantabrian Emergency Service.

Alfonso, experienced in spelunking, explained to reporters that they realized their predicament after repeatedly passing the same spot, realizing they couldn't find their way out on their own. Despite the uncertainty of time spent underground, they managed to sustain themselves with water and food while awaiting rescue.

The operation included ground searches within the cave's main gallery and aerial searches utilizing helicopters and drones due to challenging terrain and dense fog. The breakthrough came when a team of GREIM rescuers located them unharmed in a side gallery of the cave around 13:30 on Monday.

After confirmation of their safety at 15:30, the explorers emerged from the cave around 17:30 on their own, in what has been described as a successful and relieving conclusion to the intensive rescue effort.

Local authorities and rescue teams have praised the coordinated effort and expressed relief at the safe return of the explorers, emphasizing the importance of preparation and safety measures in such expeditions.