Rescuers face new challenge of freeing group trapped in Laos cave

28 May 2026 • 5:45 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Rescuers face new challenge of freeing group trapped in Laos cave

  • Seven people became trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province, central Laos, after entering on 19 May and being cut off by heavy rain and landslides.
  • Five of the men were located alive on Wednesday, nine days after they became trapped, but two are still missing.
  • Thai rescue specialist Kengkard Bongkawong highlighted the extreme difficulty of extracting the five men due to narrow, partially submerged passages and the critical need for oxygen.
  • Rescuers must navigate complex, pitch-black tunnels, some as narrow as 23 inches and completely underwater, requiring careful coordination.
  • Teams are focused on ensuring adequate oxygen supply for the trapped men and continuing the search for the two missing individuals.

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