Man rescued after spending 15 hours underground when he got lost in old Yorkshire Dales lead mine

The man, from Merseyside, was exploring Wet Grooves, near Carperby in Wensleydale, and became disorientated in the ‘complex’ cave system.

The former lead mine is thought to have had medieval origins and there are several disused shafts on the hillside. By the 20th century, ore processing work was carried out at the site and it is known for its mineral deposits.

The man spent 15 hours underground but was unharmed.

Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team said: “Called late last (Saturday) night by the police to search for a missing person thought to exploring a disused lead mine. Initial surface search by the team and police followed by a quick underground search. The missing person was located in the mine having become disoriented in the complex system. It was just as dark underground as it was on the surface!”