Laos Rescuers Hunt 2 Missing Miners as Heavy Rains Re-Flood Cave After 5 Evacuations
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 31
Laos Rescuers Hunt 2 Missing Miners as Heavy Rains Re-Flood Cave After 5 Evacuations
13 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 31
Heavy rain on Sunday reflooded the Laos cave to its second chamber, halting divers' entry as teams searched for two miners still missing after five others were brought out.
Finnish diver Mikko Paasi said pumps must lower the water before rescuers can probe a narrow crack in the fifth chamber, a possible route to a deeper sixth chamber where the pair may be.
More than 200 meters of the cave system and five chambers have already been navigated; the five survivors were found in the fifth chamber and are now in hospital in good condition.
The seven men were trapped by a flash flood while looking for valuable minerals in Xaisomboun province, and the operation has drawn Lao, Thai and other international divers, including veterans of Thailand's 2018 cave rescue.
Four miners escaped a flooded Lao cave on their own; will renewed rains doom the two still trapped inside?
As Laos cracks down on illegal mining, can it solve the poverty forcing people into deadly caves for gold?
Trapped for Over a Week: The 2026 Xaisomboun Cave Rescue and Its Impact on Laos and Regional Policy
Overview
In late May 2026, seven Lao nationals became trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun province while prospecting for gold, after their exit was blocked. Following more than a week of intense rescue efforts, officials managed to extract four individuals on May 30, bringing a wave of relief and hope after days of uncertainty. This pivotal moment highlighted both the dangers faced by those seeking economic opportunity and the dedication of rescue teams. Despite the successful rescue, the search continued for the remaining two missing persons, underscoring the ongoing risks and emotional toll on families and communities.