Photo: Humberto Ramirez / Moment / Getty Images
Five villagers who had been missing for over a week in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, central Laos, have been found alive, according to authorities and rescue teams on Wednesday. The group was discovered by specialist divers sitting on a rock inside the cave’s dark chambers, though two other villagers remain unaccounted for.
The villagers, who entered the limestone cave near Long Tieng last Wednesday in search of gold, became trapped after heavy rain caused flash flooding and blocked their exit. The rescue mission has brought together more than 100 people, including 15 experienced divers and some of the experts involved in the 2018 Thai cave rescue, according to CNN.
The rescue operation has been challenging due to narrow, muddy tunnels, some just two feet wide, collapse hazards, and the risk of contaminated air. Divers have used helmets, breathing masks, gas monitors, and an air line system to provide fresh air to those trapped. Video shared by Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, who is participating in the rescue, showed the dangerous, water-filled passageways and described the journey as physically demanding and risky.
Despite difficult conditions, rescuers said the five found were in the “safest spot” within the cave, where airflow made survival more likely. An air supply line has helped improve conditions, but the risk of illness grows by the day and the changing weather could complicate the effort further.
Authorities learned of the trapped group after one villager managed to escape through the water and seek help. Rescue teams are now working to reach the remaining missing individuals and bring all survivors out safely. The operation continues as weather forecasts predict possible afternoon storms in the coming days.
One of the videos Paasi shared showed the moment the divers located the group of survivors: