endip Cave Rescue were called by the police at 03:14 on Wednesday 5th July 2017 for an incident at Box stone mine. A small team of experienced local cavers who know the mines well attended the scene and found a group of 7 explorers aged 17 to 20 who were unable to exit from Jacks Entrance due to a new gate that the owners had erected recently. Having entered the mine via the Back Door entrance and being inadequately equipped and clothed they were lucky to be able to obtain a phone signal and call 999. The Mendip Cave Rescue team quickly escorted them out via an alternative nearby entrance, and apart from being cold and tired, they were unharmed and the incident was closed at 05:43. Our friends from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service attended and supplied lighting to the scene and passed blankets through the gate to help keep the waiting explorers warm whilst they were waiting for assistance.
This second incident within a week at the same site has prompted Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue service to issue the attached safety notice and has been reported in the local press.