Vientiane: One Lao national trapped in a cave has been rescued; efforts are underway to save the remaining ones.

According to Thai News Agency, a rescue team comprising members from Thailand, Laos, and foreign experts has successfully brought one Laotian national out of the cave. It is expected that the remaining four will be brought out today, while the search continues for the two missing individuals.

The image depicts the arduous operation of the Thai and Laotian rescue diving team, "Mikko," as they successfully evacuated the first Laotian survivor from the cave, who had been trapped inside since May 19th. The rescuers were met with encouragement from the waiting team outside. Upon reaching the cave entrance at approximately 8:30 PM, rescue workers and medical personnel immediately provided first aid and wrapped the survivor in foil to maintain body temperature.

Over the past several days, the rescue operation has encountered obstacles, including high water levels inside the cave, narrow passages, and in some sections, the need to crawl through water and mud for hundreds of meters. The victims were found in Chamber 4, deep inside the cave, where divers had to brave strong currents to retrieve them face-to-face.

Meanwhile, Kengkaj Bongkawong, head of the Thai rescue team, revealed via his Facebook page, along with a photo of himself with the workers he helped rescue, that the first victim rescued from the cave needed proper physical rehabilitation. He emphasized the importance of this and credited the behind-the-scenes team and medical staff who provided accurate guidance.

Kru Benz, a senior expert in underwater rescue and confined space rescue, revealed to a Thai news team that before bringing the victims out of the cave, he and Mr. Lee Kian Lie, a Malaysian cave diver, went back into the cave to bring food, water, and blankets to help the five Laotian men who were still trapped inside. At that time, everyone was very weak.

Then, Kru Benz and Teacher Mikko taught the victims how to use diving equipment to safely get them out of the cave. One person was successfully rescued, and today they expect to bring them all out. Initially, everyone is showing signs of fatigue. Emphasis is placed on trying their best until everyone is safely out. Today, efforts will continue to bring more people out, while also intensifying the search for the two remaining people who are still missing.

Teacher Benz posted a message on Facebook expressing his determination in this mission: 'One person has come out, and we won't stop until the other four are home. Everyone on the team is still fighting with all their might, physically, emotionally, and with hope. Please send your support to all the rescue team members, and may the other four lives be safe. We will bring them out.'