Floodwaters triggered by heavy rainfall trapped cave explorers in two separate caves in Jackson County, Alabama on Sunday, prompting large-scale rescue operations that ultimately ended with all individuals safely rescued.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen, rescue crews successfully brought all stranded explorers to safety from both caves and transported them back to their vehicles.

Officials said 12 people became trapped inside Tumbling Rock Cave off County Road 111 near Fackler after rapidly rising water levels flooded portions of the cave system. Earlier in the day, five members of the group were able to make it out safely and call 911, alerting authorities to the situation. Those individuals reportedly entered the cave ahead of the remaining group and informed rescuers that the 12 stranded explorers had access to elevated areas where they could stay above the floodwaters while awaiting help.

Sheriff Harnen said water was actively rushing from the entrance of Tumbling Rock Cave as rescue efforts were underway.

At the same time, rescuers were also working to reach a separate individual trapped inside Mother’s Finest Cave off County Road 54 in the Little Coon Valley near Stevenson. That rescue required crews to travel roughly 500 yards up a mountain and use a flat-bottomed boat to access the cave entrance due to flooding conditions.

By Sunday evening, authorities confirmed that all 12 explorers from Tumbling Rock Cave and the lone male trapped in Mother’s Finest Cave had been safely rescued.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

The rescues come after heavy rainfall moved through the area, causing rapidly rising water levels and hazardous conditions in caves and low-lying areas across the region. Authorities continue to remind outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions before entering caves, waterways, or other areas vulnerable to flash flooding.