After more than a week trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos, the first glimmer of hope has finally emerged.
One of five men found alive deep underground has been rescued.
Marking a major breakthrough in a race against time that has gripped rescuers and communities alike.
The group had entered the remote cave in Xaysomboun province on 20 May in search of gold when flash floods suddenly blocked their escape route.
Days later, rescue divers discovered five survivors huddled together nearly 300 metres from the cave entrance. Two others remain missing.
Cave Rescue Operation Advances
How was the first survivor brought out? Authorities are keeping details under wraps for now.
But dramatic images shared by Thai rescue teams showed a mud-covered man being pulled to safety.
“The first victim has been successfully rescued out of the cave,” rescuers announced.
The operation has been anything but straightforward. Floodwaters, narrow passages and worsening weather have repeatedly complicated efforts.
International specialists from Thailand, Australia, France and Indonesia have joined the mission.
At one stage, experts even considered teaching the trapped men how to scuba dive their way out.
Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, who helped rescue a Thai youth football team trapped in a cave in 2018, is also involved.
For now, one man is safely out. Four remain inside, two are still missing, and the mountain is holding onto its secrets a little longer.
