Rescuers Search for Two Men Still Trapped in Laos Cave
6 verified5 unconfirmed1 contested
A multinational rescue operation is underway in central Laos to locate two men still trapped in a flooded cave system. Seven men had entered the cave network in search of gold when heavy rain and flash flooding blocked the only entrance more than a week ago. Five of those men have since been freed, with four walking out on their own Saturday after rescue pumps lowered water levels. A sixth man who entered the cave with the group managed to escape before the exit was blocked and alerted authorities. Rescuers from several countries, including specialist divers, are using pumps and drainage systems to lower water levels as they search for the missing pair. Divers have been exploring the cave’s tight tunnels and chambers but have not yet made contact with the two remaining men. The operation continues as a race against time, with weather conditions posing a risk of further flooding.
What’s verified
Seven men were trapped in a cave in Laos after flash flooding blocked the entrance.
Five of the men have been rescued; four of them walked out on their own Saturday.
One man escaped the cave before the entrance was blocked and notified authorities.
The men were in the cave searching for gold.
The rescue effort involves divers and equipment from multiple countries, including France, Australia, Finland, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia.
Rescue teams are using pumps to drain water from the cave chambers to aid the search.
Where accounts differ
Accounts differ on whether the two missing men entered the cave as part of the same group as the five survivors. One report indicates that all seven men were together when they were trapped. Another report states that the two still missing entered the cave independently and at a separate time from the five survivors.
Not yet confirmed
The names of the two missing men are reported by only one source as Bay and Lup.
The specific depth divers reached (over 160 feet) and their use of hammer signals to attempt contact come from a single report.
Details about the rescue leader’s identity and emotional state are found in only one source.
The exact province where the cave is located is mentioned by just one outlet.
Whether the two missing men are still alive has not been confirmed by any source.
Key figures
Kengkard Bongkawong, Thai specialist cave diver
Mikko Paasi, Finnish rescuer
Norrased Palasing, Thai diver
Josh Richards, Australian diver
Keo Huangpasert, escapee
Bay and Lup, missing men
Sources: NBC News, smh.com.au
