Laos cave survivor describes days trapped in flooded cave
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A 23-year-old man who was trapped in a flooded cave in central Laos with four other amateur gold prospectors has recounted his ordeal in an interview. Mued Duangsomdy said the group entered the cave network last month with prospecting tools, only to become trapped by a flash flood more than 800 feet from the entrance. He emerged Friday night as the first to be rescued, and the remaining four men crawled out on their own the next day. Two other miners who entered the cave a day or two earlier remain missing. A Thai rescue team member said an earthquake caused the cave entrance to collapse and chambers are now flooded, making the mission more challenging. Divers from at least half a dozen countries have been involved in the operation, which has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Thailand cave rescue.
What’s reported
Mued Duangsomdy, 23, was trapped with four other men in a cave in central Laos last month.
The group entered the cave with prospecting tools to look for gold.
A flash flood trapped them more than 800 feet from the entrance.
Mued emerged Friday night; the other four men crawled out on their own the next day.
Two other miners who entered a day or two earlier remain missing.
A Thai rescue team member said an earthquake caused the cave entrance to collapse and chambers are now flooded.
Divers from at least half a dozen countries have participated in the rescue.
The rescue effort is in Xaisomboun province.
Open questions
The exact date the men entered the cave is not specified. The fate of the two missing miners remains unknown.
Key figures
Mued Duangsomdy: 23-year-old survivor and amateur gold prospector.
Chakkrit Taengtang: Thai member assisting the rescue operation.
Josh Richards: Australian diver who was part of the rescue operation.
Sources: NBC News
