Parker said two local police officers who tried to rescue the tourists were among those still inside.
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Three dive teams responded to the scene, and officials initially thought it could take anywhere from 12 to 14 hours before a rescue attempt could be made due to the rough river currents. Horse Cave Fire Chief Donnie Parker said the tour groups had been inside for several hours prior to being rescued.
Later that afternoon, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued and heavy rain began to fall, causing water levels to rise inside the cave.
When rain started pouring, they became trapped.
“All you can do is walk through it and keep pushing on through”, one of the rescuers, David Morgan, said.
“About a mile back in the cave to get the guys out and I’m glad we did because quite frankly I saw water I’ve never seen water in 30 years in this cave it was coming up really fast”, Foster said. That area has a high ceiling and they stood there until the water rose so high that they chose to go ahead and try to make their way out. The students were accompanied by experienced guides, who officials had hoped would bring them to a safe passage known as the “Attic Room”.
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McDaniel said there’s only one way in and out of the cave located in south-central Kentucky’s karst region, where many of state’s longest and deepest caves run underground. In addition to public guided tours and longer adventure tours, a zip line and rappelling are also offered.
