Rescue workers in northern Laos pulled four men from a flooded cave system yesterday, ending a ten-day ordeal that drew international attention and praise for British specialists. The men, aged 24 to 38, were trapped in the Tham Nam Lo cave in Luang Namtha province after sudden monsoon rains caused water levels to rise rapidly on July 12. They had entered the cave for a recreational exploration.
The rescue operation involved a team of 70 personnel, including three cave divers from the British Cave Rescue Council. They joined forces with Lao military and local authorities to navigate the narrow, submerged passages. The men were found huddled on a dry ledge approximately 1.2 kilometres from the entrance. They had no food and only limited drinking water. Their survival was described as a testament to their composure.
The extraction took seven hours, with divers guiding each man through murky water and tight gaps. No serious injuries were reported. The men were taken to a hospital in Luang Namtha town for observation. Their families had maintained a vigil at the cave mouth since the first day of the disappearance.
The British team brought specialized equipment and trialing techniques refined in previous operations. Their involvement was requested by the Lao government under a bilateral emergency response arrangement. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said the rescue demonstrated the value of British expertise in difficult subterranean environments. The team is expected to return to the United Kingdom later this week.
Local officials expressed gratitude, with the provincial governor describing the cooperation as a model for future crisis response. The cave remains closed to the public while assessments of its safety are conducted.
