Five Trapped in Flooded Laos Cave Found Alive; Two Still Missing

Five people trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for a week were found alive on Wednesday, with rescuers still searching for two more. The group, from local villages, was searching for gold when a landslide triggered by heavy rains blocked the cave’s entrance on May 19. One person managed to escape before the exit was fully blocked and alerted authorities. The cave, in a remote area of Xaisomboun province, about 125 km northeast of Vientiane, posed significant challenges due to floodwaters, narrow passages, and air quality issues. Over 100 rescuers, including experts from Thailand and Finland, participated in the operation. Thai rescuer Kengkach Bangkawong shared videos of the rescue, showing the moment five were found and celebrations thereafter. Lao rescuer Bounkham Luanglath expressed relief, stating, “I’m still shaking. Our team made it happen.” Finnish diver Mikko Paasi described the cave as an “abandoned gold mine” with hazardous conditions. The rescue drew parallels to the 2018 Thai cave rescue, with some of the same experts involved. Edited by Zac Crellin.