Rescue teams in Laos have successfully rescued one man who was trapped for more than a week inside a flooded cave system, while efforts continue to save others still stranded underground.
The dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Laos’ Xaisomboun Province, where seven men reportedly entered a maze-like cave network on May 19 in search of gold before becoming trapped by heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Footage shared on social media showed the rescued survivor emerging weak and exhausted from a narrow cave opening before receiving immediate medical attention from emergency teams waiting outside.
Kengkard Bongkawong confirmed that one person had been rescued, while four others remained trapped inside the flooded cave awaiting further assessment by rescue specialists.
Authorities believe two additional individuals are still missing, with search operations expected to continue.
The rescue mission has faced major challenges due to rising floodwaters, muddy conditions, and extremely narrow underwater passages inside the cave. Specialist divers worked for days pumping water out of the cave system before Friday’s extraction mission could begin.
On Wednesday, rescue divers located five survivors huddled together on a rock inside the cave after navigating through dark, water-filled tunnels. Video from the discovery showed the trapped men with torn clothing and exhausted expressions as rescuers reassured them they would be brought to safety.
One survivor was heard saying, “Don’t worry about me, mum. The rescuers are here. I’m safe now.”
Thai diver Norrased Palasing had earlier warned that evacuating the trapped men would be extremely difficult because of the dangerous flooding conditions and the physical weakness of those trapped inside.
The rescue effort includes experienced Thai cave divers, including one specialist who participated in the internationally recognized 2018 Thailand cave rescue that saved 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand.
Emergency officials say rescue operations will continue as teams work to safely evacuate the remaining survivors and search for the two missing individuals.
