Five people found trapped in flooded cave in Laos.

VTV.vn - Rescue forces have found five of the seven people trapped in a flooded cave in central Laos.

Rescue workers attempt to reach people trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, on May 26, 2026. (Photo: AP)

On May 27, rescue teams found five of the seven people trapped in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos.

According to divers involved in the rescue operation, five people have been found alive and are currently inside an underground chamber. The search for the remaining two is continuing, while rescue teams prepare a plan to bring the survivors out.

Thai rescue diver Kengkad Bongkawong said five people were found safe at around 4:30 p.m. local time on May 27. A rescue team in Laos also confirmed that these people were "alive and safe."

Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, a member of the rescue team, said that finding the victims was a positive sign, but the mission was not over as the process of bringing them out was expected to be very difficult. According to him, the victims were healthy and in stable spirits, but weak and very hungry. The rescue team will continue to provide them with essential supplies to help them regain their strength before moving them out of the cave.

Rescue workers gather outside a cave as they attempt to reach those trapped in Xaisomboun province, Laos, on May 26, 2026. (Photo: AP)

Accessing the trapped area proved challenging. According to a rescue coordination center, divers had to navigate a tunnel approximately 340 meters long, which included sections that were pitch black, partially submerged, and very narrow. Some sections were only about 58 centimeters wide, forcing rescuers to remove their equipment to pass through.

The trapped group is believed to be all men. They entered the cave on May 20th searching for gold, but heavy rains caused flash floods, blocking the exit. Lao state media reported that they may be trapped on a raised ledge inside the cave, where there is still airflow.

More than 100 people participated in the rescue operation, including 15 experienced divers and experts who had previously participated in the rescue of the youth football team at Tham Luang cave in Thailand in 2018.

Source: https://vtv.vn/tim-thay-5-nguoi-mac-ket-trong-hang-ngap-nuoc-o-lao-10026052723463487.htm