International diving experts are traveling to central Laos to assist in a complex rescue operation involving seven people who have been trapped underground for more than a week, according to a volunteer organization from Thailand announced Friday.
The group of Lao nationals had gone into the cave located in Xaisomboun province to search for gold when a landslide caused by severe rainfall blocked their way out. Volunteer rescue teams from Thailand began assisting with the operation on Sunday.
The additional rescue personnel include Robin Cuesta from France, Audita Harsono from Indonesia, Japan’s Yoshitaka Isaji, Naruchit Kiatmaneesri from Thailand and Australia’s Josh Richards, according to a social media announcement by the volunteer organization.
Kengkard Bongkawong, a cave diving expert from Thailand participating in the mission, reported Friday on social media that the trapped individuals’ physical condition is worsening while they wait for extraction.
“The rescue operation is extremely challenging, as it involves moving them through narrow passages stretching hundreds of metres and requiring underwater diving,” he said.
Video recorded Thursday by another volunteer from Thailand, Norrased Palasing, captured survivors positioned on a rock shelf far inside the cave, showing emotional reactions upon seeing rescuers. Norrased’s group successfully located five of the seven missing individuals. In the recording, he informed them that rescue teams would deliver supplies into the cave while working to remove the standing water.
One person who survived, giving his name as Lin, said, “Don’t worry about me, mum. The rescuers are here. I’m safe now. I miss you mum. I miss you mum and dad. In a few days I’ll be out.”
