Rescuers Continue Search for Two Men in Laos Cave
According to a single-source report from NBC News, rescuers are working to save the last two of seven men trapped in a cave in central Laos’s Xaisomboun province after heavy rain and flash flooding blocked the entrance more than a week ago. Five men have been freed, including four who walked out on their own Saturday as water levels dropped. The focus narrowed Monday to the remaining two men, with divers using ropes to rappel into deep shafts. The operation is led by Kengkard Bongkawong of the Thai Mettatham Association Rescue Unit, who was also involved in the 2018 Thai cave rescue. He told NBC News he was feeling discouraged and tired but would not give up. A multinational team from France, Australia, Finland, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia is assisting, using lidar mapping, cave drainage, and managed air supply. Divers descended more than 160 feet Sunday and hammered rock to signal the missing men, but have received no positive confirmation.
What’s reported
Seven men were trapped more than a week ago in a cave network in Xaisomboun province, Laos, after heavy rain and flash flooding blocked the entrance.
Five men have been freed, including four who walked out on their own Saturday.
The remaining two men are believed to be deeper in the cave, though their exact location is unclear.
Rescuers are using ropes to rappel into deep shafts and have been pushing through tight crevices.
Kengkard Bongkawong leads the rescue unit and said he is feeling pressured but not giving up.
Divers from France, Australia, Finland, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia are involved.
Technology used includes lidar mapping, simultaneous cave drainage, and managed air supply.
On Sunday, divers descended more than 160 feet and hammered rock to signal the remaining two men, with no positive confirmation yet.
The men from a local village entered seeking gold despite public warnings.
Another man who entered the cave escaped before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities.
Open questions
The exact location and condition of the two remaining men, and whether they will be found alive.
Key figures
Kengkard Bongkawong, Thai specialist cave diver and leader of the Mettatham Association Rescue Unit.
Sources: NBC News
