Rescue teams in Laos are racing to deliver additional oxygen supplies to seven divers trapped inside a cave after heavy rain triggered a landslide that blocked their exit.
The divers, all Lao nationals, entered the cave in Xaisomboun province last week in search of gold before becoming trapped underground.
Rescue officials said more oxygen tanks would be needed to complete the operation safely.
“We need to borrow as many oxygen tanks as possible and want to set up an oxygen refilling station in front of the cave.”
At least five of the trapped divers have reportedly been found alive, although none has yet been brought out of the cave.
Volunteer groups involved in the operation have given conflicting accounts about the number of survivors located.
Thai volunteer teams said five people had been found, while the Lao “Rescue Volunteer for People” organisation reported that all seven divers had been located and were safe.
The reports have not been independently verified.
Thai rescue volunteers joined the operation on Sunday, including a diver who participated in the dramatic 2018 cave rescue in Thailand involving 12 boys and their football coach.
That rescue operation attracted global attention and involved international teams, including British divers and US military personnel.
The latest rescue effort has been complicated by difficult conditions inside the cave and concerns over oxygen supply as teams continue attempts to reach and extract the trapped divers safely.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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