Search and rescue teams in Laos have called off efforts to find two men still trapped in a partially flooded cave, citing dangerous conditions.
The decision came a week after five other men were successfully rescued from the same cave system in Xaisomboun province. The group became trapped on May 20 while searching for bats and looking for gold when rising floodwaters blocked the exit.
One of the men was rescued on May 29, while four others were brought out the following day after water levels were partially reduced through pumping operations.
Despite assistance from international rescue teams from countries including Finland, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia, officials said the remaining two men could not be located.
Rescue teams said continuing the search inside the cave had become too dangerous due to unstable conditions and rising water levels. A Malaysian cave diver involved in the operation said the team was “very close” to success, but worsening cave stability made further attempts unsafe.
Thai rescue coordinators said entry into the cave has now been banned, though pumping operations outside will continue in an effort to reduce water levels and possibly allow a future search. Food supplies have also been placed at points inside the cave in case the missing men are able to move toward safer areas.
Authorities say heavy rainfall in the region continues to make conditions unpredictable, with rescuers warning that water levels inside the cave remain extremely high and unstable.
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