Finnish cave-diving expert Mikko Paasi has described the recent rescue mission at a flooded mine in Laos as one of the most difficult operations of his career.
Paasi, who helped rescue Thailand’s Wild Boars football team from the Tham Luang cave in 2018, joined international efforts to save seven miners trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province. Five miners were rescued, but two others remain missing.
Writing on Facebook, Paasi said rescuers gave “110% for two weeks” but were ultimately unable to overcome worsening natural conditions. He credited local and international teams, including Lao cave diver Alex Souliyakane and Thailand-based rescuers, for making the operation possible.
According to Paasi, the flooded mine presented extreme challenges, including narrow passages, poor visibility and deteriorating air quality. Rescue teams located five survivors on 27 May and spent days delivering supplies while attempting to lower water levels.
One miner was successfully extracted through a flooded section, but rescuers later decided the risks were too high to continue underwater evacuations. After intensive pumping efforts, the remaining four survivors were able to crawl out safely.
The mission later shifted to searching for two other missing miners. However, cave collapses, rising water and worsening conditions forced authorities to suspend the operation. Rescuers have said they hope to return if weather conditions improve and the cave becomes safe enough for further searches.
