Rescue teams in northern Laos have received critical assistance from survivors of a cave collapse that trapped nine men more than a week ago. Two men remain unaccounted for after the incident at the Tham Xang cave in Luang Prabang province on 23 March. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that seven men were brought to safety in a complex operation involving divers and engineers.
The survivors have since provided detailed descriptions of the cave's interior, enabling rescuers to refine their search for the missing pair. Senior officials from the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment are supervising the operation, which has been hampered by rising water levels and narrow passages. International technical advisors, including specialists from China and Vietnam, have been consulted.
The rescue plan now involves reinforcing support structures and pumping water from the deepest chambers. Relatives of the missing men have gathered at the site, and local authorities have set up a command centre to coordinate efforts. The incident has drawn attention to safety standards in Laos's burgeoning adventure tourism sector, though officials have stated that a full investigation will follow the conclusion of the rescue.
