Rescuers have reached five of seven people trapped for a week in a flooded cave in Laos, as the search continues for the remaining two. The group was found sitting on a rocky ledge in a dark chamber, surrounded by muddy water, according to video footage shared by rescue divers.
The five men told rescuers they were hungry and dehydrated. Outside the cave, families celebrated as a boy spotted his father among the survivors. However, Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, who helped locate the men, warned that extraction would be difficult. The survivors remain in the terminal chamber, and the operation to bring them out is still ahead.
The group entered the cave in Xaysomboun province to hunt for wildlife and search for gold, but heavy rain blocked the entrance. Thai and international divers, including Paasi who took part in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, have been assisting. The cave environment is described as extremely remote and hostile, with narrow passageways and flood water.
Rescuers are now planning how to locate the two missing men. Health checks and first aid have been administered to the five survivors. The operation has been hampered by persistent rain, which forced divers to retreat on Tuesday night. They re-entered on Wednesday to deliver oral rehydration salts and water.
Kengkard Bongkawong, head of operations for the Metta Than Rescue group, said the cave had not collapsed but heavy flooding had blocked a crucial passageway with sand and gravel. It remains unclear whether the group was mining for gold as part of artisanal activity or working for a company.
