Laos: Teams explore new cave entrances in search of missing people

Rescue teams in central Laos are in a race against time to find two men feared trapped in a network of flooded caves for nearly two weeks as storms batter the dense jungle.

Rescuers believe the men entered the cave on May 20, shortly before heavy rains caused flash flooding and blocked the exit. Another five escaped the cave's narrow tunnels after an international team of divers was called to the Southeast Asian country.

On Monday, rescue teams rappelled down a newly discovered vertical shaft more than 100 meters deep, raising hopes that the descent could provide a safer path for the trapped men.

Divers were anxiously waiting for authorities to bring in advanced scanning equipment that could produce a clearer image of the cave, Thai rescuer Kengkard Bongkawong told CNN.

Rescuers could potentially use this equipment while descending the shaft, Kengkard added. Until then, they were using a map drawn with the help of five survivors.

However, Australian diver Josh Richards later told CNN that the shaft was "completely filled with debris and landslides" and that they "couldn't identify any way" to get down. "We're not sure what the next steps will be," he said in a video released on Monday.

Kengkard reiterated these concerns on Tuesday, warning that floodwaters were still "effectively blocking access to the cave." Rescuers mobilized additional pumps to drain the water "as quickly as possible," he said.

The diver suggested that if enough water was removed, the two missing survivors could exit the cave using the same route they entered.

"The weather remains a major obstacle," he added. "A storm system has arrived in the region and the rain continues to fall."

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Water is a constant threat
The men became trapped during an expedition searching for gold in the cramped, muddy underground caves. Conditions at the cave entrance remain challenging, with recent rains causing flash flooding.

Heavy machinery was used to excavate more water retention ponds to store water pumped from the cave.

The entrance to the cave shaft that was discovered and explored via rappelling on May 31, 2026. - Kengkard Bongkawong via CNN Newsource
In a live broadcast, Kengkard expressed optimism about the possibility of rescuing the remaining two trapped villagers, but described the challenges of operating during the monsoon season.

"The mission here in Laos is very difficult. It's also very dangerous. Very dangerous indeed," he said.

"Going down into these holes, going into the cave, if it suddenly rains and the water pours down, it's like filling a straw," he said. "Instantly, the straw will fill up. You can't get in. You can't get out. That's something we need to keep in mind, and that's the biggest risk."

On Monday night, divers denied reports that one of the rescuers had heard a "thumping sound" coming from inside the cave network.

Of the survivors, one was taken to safety on Friday, while the other four managed to escape unaided the next day after extensive efforts to drain flood water in the area.

The five are recovering in the hospital after surviving for more than a week with just water and sleep to preserve their strength until help arrives.

Rescue teams at the base where equipment and people gathered for the mission. - Kengkard Bongkawong via CNN Newsource
In a Facebook post, Thai rescue technician Manat Artmongkron reported a conversation with Finnish diver Mikko Pasi after he left the operation.

"Before leaving, he gave me one last message: 'You need to bring the remaining two people home. We all believe in you,'" Manat wrote.

"All I could do was nod my head," he added. "But inside, I was holding back the tears, because the truth is, I didn't know if I could do what he was asking me to do."

The rescue technician said that "more than 80% of the mission" had been completed, calling it "proof that none of our efforts were in vain."

Manat emphasized that the remaining team members would continue to do "everything in our power to bring everyone home."

Source: CNN