Rescuers have pulled four people to safety after they were trapped inside a submerged cave in Laos for nearly two weeks. The survival ordeal began when a group of gold hunters entered a cave in the remote central Xaysomboun province 10 days ago.
Flash Flooding Traps Seven Men
Sudden flash flooding surged inside the cave, cutting off the entrance and trapping seven men. Five were spotted alive on Wednesday, approximately 984 feet from the cave entrance. Two men remain missing.
One man was rescued yesterday, according to the Lao Rescue Volunteer for People organisation. Today, the water level dropped enough for the remaining four to be taken to safety. Footage shows the emotional moment the men emerged from the darkness, embracing their rescuers.
Survivors Treated at Scene
One survivor, dressed only in shorts and a headtorch, managed a faint smile as he was supported across the rocky terrain. The men were placed on stretchers and given oxygen masks and drips while medics checked them. Meanwhile, water continues to be pumped out of the cavern in an effort to locate the two missing men.
The rescue operation involves specialist divers from Thailand, Indonesia, France, and Australia. Rescue Volunteer for People stated on Facebook: 'The water intake in the cave is decreasing and our plans are not finished yet; we will continue to search for two missing people from various locations.'
Previous Cave Tragedy in Maldives
The Laos cave ordeal comes after five divers and one rescuer died in an underwater cave in the Maldives. The five Italian divers had entered a 160-foot-deep 'shark' cave when the accident occurred.
