Rescuers in Laos have located five of seven villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, sparking emotional celebrations among search crews as efforts continue to reach the remaining two men.
Specialist divers navigated narrow, submerged tunnels to reach the survivors, who reportedly entered the cave last week searching for gold before heavy rain triggered flash flooding that sealed the exit.
The men were found weak and hungry but otherwise in stable condition, with rescuers now rushing in food and supplies ahead of what is expected to be a difficult extraction through the dark and partially submerged passageways.
More than 100 rescuers, including veteran divers involved in Thailand’s famous 2018 cave rescue, are taking part in the high-risk operation.
Thai Rescue Teams Struggle to Reach Seven Trapped in Flooded Laos Cave as Rain Hampers Mission
A Thai volunteer rescue team provided an update from the second day of a mission to help seven villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos’ Xaisomboun province after heavy rain… pic.twitter.com/FSejEFj407
— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) May 25, 2026
