A couple's "surprise" date at Marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh became like a "Hollywood movie" when extremely heavy rainfall resulted in a flash flood yesterday.
Alistair Hay said the date organised by his wife Kim became "definitely one of the most memorable".
"At the time, we didn’t feel just how scary it was," said Mr Hay.
The couple was part of a group of 17 exploring the caves on what started as a "dry afternoon".
"It wasn’t something we had planned for, something we were dressed for," he said.
A warning for heavy rain came over the radio and then the power went out.
"We were there in darkness," explains Mr Hay. "15 seconds later, the generators went on."
However, when they ventured further down the cave, they could hear water flowing.
Mr Hay said it was "literally just like a tap turned on".
"Nobody was concerned," he added.
"We went down the cave further where there was a waterfall coming down over the pathway."
Mr Hay said the group’s guide figured out the best way to proceed, with more staff joining them to help.
"At that stage, we realised that we were going to have to go through the water," he said.
"Our biggest concern was that we were going to get wet.
"With the force of it coming down, we all got soaked."
Moving down the cave, the group saw "another cascade of water coming down what would have been the exit stairs".
"That is when people really started to get more concerned," said Mr Hay.
'A great story to tell'
He said going up the set of stairs was "challenging" but the staff remained calm.
"We knew that they were doing exactly what they had trained for," he said.
"There was a heavy force of water coming down, really pushing against us," Mr Hay added.
"At the end, the two of us were dressed for such an occasion."
He laughed that his wife was "more concerned about her handbag than she was about me".
The group made their way out and were given teas, coffees and hoodies to help warm up.
"They looked after us really well," said Mr Hay.
"It was something that you never expect to be a part of.
"It was just the timing of it."
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has confirmed that all visitors were safely guided out of the caves during Sunday's incident.
"This was a highly unusual weather event; one that has not occurred here before.
"The safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority.
"The caves remain flooded and safety checks are ongoing. Cave tours remain cancelled until further notice," a spokesperson told RTÉ News.
Meanwhile, Mr Hay said the couple are determined to go back and finish their date at the caves and are grateful for a "great story to tell".
"I don’t know how I am ever going to manage a surprise date for Kim that would be as memorable as this one.
"I think she has won the competition on that."
