The most famous underground rescue was possibly the case of Floyd Collins in 1925. He was exploring a cave and got trapped. Times were hard and a lot of people were desperate for cash. The rescue was groomed and steered into becoming a carnival. The rescue method seems to have been selected more for publicity than speed or effectiveness.

http://www.cavecity.com/cave_city/floyd_collins.htm

There was a fairly good movie made under the name "Ace in the Hole" but renamed "The Big Carnival". Worth seeing. If for no other reason to better understand how rescues can become circuses that are more about profits and publicity, and making the tragedy last, than saving people.

http://www.metalasylum.com/ragingbull/movies/aceinthehole.html