Vallada, Spain – Four men were rescued early this morning after being trapped for hours inside the Sumidors Tunnel Cave in Vallada, Costera.

The Consorci de Bombers reported that they were mobilized at 8:51 p.m. Rescuers included the Special Height Rescue Group (GERA), firefighters from Xàtiva, and volunteer firefighters from Vallada.

Members of the Consorci de Bombers and the Guardia Civil located the trapped men at 1:09 a.m. They had no injuries but showed signs of cold and exhaustion after being trapped for many hours.

The rescue operation also involved the Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM) of the Guardia Civil, the Local Police of Vallada, and healthcare personnel.

A doctor from the V-990 rescue helicopter team volunteered to assist on-site.

The men believed the cave had an exit at the lower part. They progressed while removing the rope after rappelling but eventually found no exit and became trapped in the last chamber.

According to the Vallada City Council, the Sumidors Tunnel is the most complex gypsum cave in the world in terms of karstic verticality. It has a depth of 205 meters and a total length of approximately 1,300 meters.

The entrance to the tunnel is located in a small depression at the head of the Penyó ravine.

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