The joyful five villagers picutred inside the cave after they were located on Wednesday afternoon. –Photo Mikko Paasi

Five villagers found alive in cave, two still missing, officials confirm

Five of the seven villagers trapped inside a cave in Longchaeng district, Xaysomboun province, have been found alive, while search operations continue for the remaining two missing individuals, rescuers and officials confirmed on Thursday morning.
The confirmation came after earlier miscommunication between rescuers inside the cave and officials outside led some media outlets to incorrectly report that all seven villagers had been found.
The seven residents of Longchaeng district entered the cave on May 20 in search of gold deposits before becoming trapped when heavy rainfall triggered sudden flooding inside the cave. Initial rescue efforts were severely hampered by rising water levels, difficult terrain, and adverse weather conditions. Authorities have continued pumping operations around the clock in an effort to reduce water levels inside the cave.
Officials said rescue teams located the five survivors at about 4:30 pm on Wednesday. The survivors are currently undergoing preliminary health assessments as authorities prepare for their safe extraction.
“Our top priority is to bring them out safely,” an official said. “Their health condition must first be carefully assessed, and the cave entrance is extremely narrow.”
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities, volunteers, and international experts continue working tirelessly under difficult conditions.
A joint Lao-Thai rescue team, supported by international cave-diving experts — including specialists involved in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand — has been working around the clock since May 24. Three cave-diving specialists from Thailand and Finland are among those assisting in the operation.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
 (Latest Update May 27, 2026)