Rescuers confirmed on Wednesday that five villagers were found alive inside a flooded mine cave in Long Chaeng district, Xaysomboun province, after a week-long search. The survivors were reportedly hungry and exhausted but in stable condition. Authorities continue searching for the remaining two villagers.
Flash flooding trapped the group inside the cave on 20 May, sealing the entrance. Rescue teams from Laos and Thailand, including divers who participated in Thailand’s 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, resumed operations early on 27 May.
At 7:07 a.m., rescuers, villagers, and officials held a traditional blessing ceremony before re-entering the cave. They presented chickens, incense, drinks, and other offerings in line with local spiritual customs. The timing carried symbolic significance: seven villagers had been trapped for seven days, and the ceremony coincided with the 27th day of the month.
In the afternoon, at 2:07 p.m., dive teams re-entered the cave to reach the deepest sections where the villagers were believed to be located.
The group reportedly entered the cave to search for gold and hunt wildlife, according to early reports. They initially attempted self-rescue, but after repeated failures, they sent a video via Facebook Messenger to a local influencer, who shared it publicly on 22 May.
Thai Rescue Help
A 26-member Thai rescue team arrived on 23 May to assist, supported by Lao volunteer associations.
Rescue efforts were hindered by narrow passages, submerged chambers, and unstable rock formations, with some tunnels as narrow as 50 centimeters. Continuous rainfall repeatedly raised water levels, forcing temporary suspensions.
Teams planned to map the cave in 3D, survey surrounding terrain for alternative access points, and identify methods to divert water. Engineers also considered using air shafts to deliver food, water, and communication equipment if conditions allowed.
Laos Telecom installed high-speed internet infrastructure at the site, enabling real-time video and image transmission to coordinate the operation.
Geologists and engineers cautioned that the Xaysomboun cave is more fragile than Thailand’s Tham Luang cave system, with weaker rock layers, higher water retention, and increased collapse risks during heavy rain.


