Seven spelunkers rescued from Indiana cave

A group of seven spelunkers was rescued early Monday morning from the Binkley Cave System near Corydon, Ind., about 25 miles west of Louisville, Ky.

The cave explorers were conducting a survey of the cave and did not return Sunday morning after a 15-hour trip, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. High water levels in the cave hampered search efforts but the hikers' experience helped to save them, officials said.

The cave was discovered in 1918 when a sinkhole opened up on a farm in the area, and is now known to be at least 35 miles long, the longest cave system in Indiana. It includes Binkley Cave and Blowing Hole Cave.

Indiana conservation officers, National Cave Rescue Commission personnel, and other rescuers were able to locate the group late Sunday, according to a news release from the agency. Two of the seven were escorted from the cave before midnight while the other five were rescued around 3 a.m. ET Monday.

All seven were treated for hypothermia and exposure, the release said.

Multiple agencies assisted with the search, and National Speleological Society and other volunteer cavers and grotto members participated in the effort as well.

Follow Justin Sayers on Twitter: @_JustinSayers