Thai and Finnish experts join Laos cave rescue for seven trapped villagers

Rescue specialists from Thailand and Finland who participated in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand arrived Monday at a flooded cave in central Laos to help extract seven trapped villagers, Laophattana News reported. The seven entered the cave in Long Chanh district of Xaysomboun province, about 78 miles northeast of Vientiane, on May 20 while searching for gold.

Heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked their exit. Authorities and local volunteers have been pumping water from the cave, but teams have not yet reached the group.

Rescue operations and conditions About 100 people from Laos and Thailand are at the site assisting operations, a Laotian volunteer rescue association said. The association stated it does not know whether the trapped individuals remain alive. The cave system extends deep underground with passages more than 110 yards from the entrance.

A Thai rescuer said water levels rose during an earlier descent, forcing the team to withdraw. The Laotian rescue group sent a letter dated Saturday requesting specialist personnel and equipment from Thai charities, including water pumps, generators, and thermal imaging devices.