Sudden Flash Flood Traps Tourists in Marble Arch Caves
Visitors caught off guard by unprecedented underground deluge
A spontaneous visit to the renowned Marble Arch Caves turned into a dramatic adventure for 17 tourists when a sudden flash flood surged through the natural limestone formations on Sunday afternoon. The unexpected event occurred despite a dry start to the tour, coinciding with a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office for heavy rain across Northern Ireland.
Unexpected Underground Torrent
The group, including Alistair Hay and his wife Kim, had arrived for their scheduled 4:15 pm tour. According to Alistair, the initial safety briefings mentioned backup generators that would activate in case of a power outage. “We were down in the caves, then the power went out, then the generators kicked in,” he recounted. “Fifteen minutes later, the power went out again.” It was then that water began pouring from cave openings.
“Water started pouring out from the holes of the caves, staff above radioed down to say that there was rain in the surface.”
—Alistair Hay
The surge of water near the exit walkway presented a significant obstacle. Staff quickly provided umbrellas to shield the group, but a “heavy flow of water” necessitated immediate action. Alistair described the guides as “fantastic,” keeping everyone calm and safely escorting them through the water.
Staff Praised for Professionalism
Following the ordeal, the visitors were safely guided to the visitor centre, where they received warm refreshments and dry clothing, including Marble Arch gear. The tour manager reportedly stated that such an event was unprecedented in her 20 years of experience. Alistair likened the situation to a Hollywood movie, noting the combination of cold, wet conditions and excitement.
“They kept everyone calm and they got us dried off and hoodies to get changed into afterwards, there was torrential rain when we got out.”
—Alistair Hay
The group received a full refund and complimentary souvenirs. Despite the dramatic experience, Alistair expressed no reluctance to return, stating, “We are going to go back again, we haven’t been put off by it – it was an unusual situation.”
Cave System Remains Closed
A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council confirmed that the flash flood was a result of intense rainfall and surface runoff into the cave system. “The safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority,” the spokesperson stated. “The caves remain flooded and safety checks are ongoing. Cave tours remain cancelled until further notice.” This incident echoes the broader impact of heavy rainfall across the Fermanagh area, where numerous locations have experienced flooding. For instance, in 2021, severe flooding in County Fermanagh led to widespread disruption and damage, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events (BBC News, 2021).
The council thanked visitors for their cooperation and staff for their professionalism. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk has also been temporarily closed for safety inspections following the severe weather.