A Lao worker trapped inside a gold mine cave in Laos has been rescued after a major international operation involving Thai and Finnish cave diving experts. Rescue teams successfully brought one of five survivors out of the flooded tunnel at 20.40 on 29 May 2026, according to the Thailand Rescue Diver Facebook page.
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The worker was among seven Lao labourers trapped inside a gold mine cave in Long Chaeng, Xaysomboun province, Laos, since 19 May. Heavy rain and flash flooding had swept through the mine, cutting off access and leaving the workers stranded underground.
Thai and Finnish cave diving and rescue specialists travelled to the area on 20 May to assist with the operation. On 27 May 2026, rescuers finally reached the trapped workers, who were reported to be suffering from exhaustion after spending days inside the cave system.
Following contact with the survivors, rescue teams began planning a complex extraction from the flooded mine tunnels. The latest operation successfully removed the first survivor from the cave, while four others remain underground awaiting further assessment before evacuation attempts continue.
Picture courtesy of Komchadluek
“Kaengkaj Bongkaowong”, head of the Metta Tham rescue team from Thailand, confirmed the rescued worker was brought out safely. He added that teams would continue assessing conditions before attempting to evacuate the remaining four survivors.
Rescuers are also continuing efforts to locate two additional workers still missing inside the cave complex. Search operations for the missing pair are expected to resume on 30 May.
The rescue operation has drawn attention due to the difficult conditions inside the flooded mine and the involvement of experienced international cave rescue specialists. The operation follows days of challenging underwater access and hazardous conditions caused by persistent flooding.
Komchadluek reported officials have not yet released further details on the rescued worker’s medical condition. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as rescue teams continue evacuation and search efforts in the coming days.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 30 May 2026