7 Gold Prospectors Trapped in Lao Cave for Over a Week, Rescue Team Successfully Saves 1 Person

 Seven gold prospectors were trapped in a cave in Xaysomboun Province, central Laos, for over a week. On the 29th, the rescue team successfully rescued one of those trapped.

The Thai rescue organization posted on Facebook on the evening of the 29th: “The first trapped person has been successfully rescued from the cave.”

Due to the complex geological structure and narrow passages of the cave, rescuers are currently striving to rescue the remaining discovered individuals.

Earlier that day, a Laos volunteer team posted on social media saying they would pump out water as soon as possible and strive to rescue the others. Due to heavy rains early on the 29th, rescue work faced difficulties.

Because the rainfall continues and the mountainous geological structure is complex, the cave faces the risk of collapse.

Local media reported that on the 20th, seven gold prospectors entered a cave in the mountainous area of Xaysomboun Province in search of gold. Continuous rainfall caused the water level in the cave to rise, trapping the seven people.

On the 27th, rescuers found five of the trapped individuals, who were located in a narrow passage about 300 meters from the cave entrance. The other two remain missing. Those trapped were dehydrated but not in life-threatening danger. Rescuers have provided them with drinking water and food, and plan to deliver oxygen tanks into the cave.

In addition to local Lao teams, volunteers from Thailand, Malaysia, and several other countries participated in the rescue.