Rescue specialists from Thailand, known for their work in the 2018 rescue of a youth football team, have joined efforts to save seven individuals trapped in a flooded cave in Laos. Laotian state media reported on Monday that the villagers, caught inside the cave since May 20 due to flash flooding, are in central Xaysomboun province, approximately 78 miles from the capital city, Vientiane.

The villagers had entered the cave in search of gold but became trapped when heavy rain led to sudden flooding. Efforts are underway to pump water out, yet rescue teams have not reached the group. Bounkham Luanglat, the head of a Laotian volunteer rescue group, expressed uncertainty about the trapped individuals’ condition.

About 100 people from Laos and Thailand have gathered to assist with the rescue at the site located in Long Chanh district. Among them are two Thai rescue experts and a Finnish specialist who were part of the famous 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue operation in Thailand. Back then, 12 young boys and their coach were saved from a cave complex after being trapped for weeks.

The Laotian rescue team has reached out to Thai charities for additional aid, asking for water pumps, generators, and thermal imaging devices. They have labeled the situation a humanitarian emergency and called for prompt support due to the challenging flood conditions. Thai rescuer Chakkit Taengtan highlighted the difficulties in a video, noting that rising water levels forced them to retreat during an attempt to reach the cave’s entrance.

The cave system poses considerable challenges due to its remote location and complex structure, with depths extending beyond 110 yards in some areas. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, hoping to achieve a successful outcome similar to the 2018 mission.