Laos Cave Rescue

This image made from the video provided by Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving shows the villagers who were trapped and found in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

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Rescuers evacuate the first of 5 villagers found trapped in a cave in Laos; 2 still missing

Rescuers evacuate the first of 5 villagers found trapped in a cave in Laos; 2 still missing

Rescue divers in Laos have safely evacuated the first of five villagers trapped in a cave for over a week due to floodwaters. The rescue happened Friday night, with the villager seen walking unsteadily with assistance. Divers found the group on Wednesday, but two villagers remain missing. Rescue teams from Laos, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia are working together, with more help on the way. The villagers had entered the cave to search for valuable minerals and were trapped by flash flooding. Rescuers are pumping water out of the cave, but rain has complicated efforts.