Thai rescuers join effort to free seven

Seven villagers are trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province, central Laos, after heavy rain and landslides blocked the exit. Laos rescuers asked Thai cave-rescue specialists for help, including divers, pumps and rope teams, while officials still had not confirmed signs of life.

1. Frame 1Seven villagers are trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun, Laos, after rain and landslides sealed the exit.
2. Frame 2They entered on May 19 to search for gold; one person escaped and raised the alarm.
3. Frame 3Thai cave-rescue specialists joined local crews with pumps, ropes and divers as floodwater filled narrow passages.
4. Frame 4Some tunnels are only about 60 centimeters high, slowing teams crawling through muddy water.
5. Frame 5The rescue now turns on pumping water down fast enough for divers to reach the group.
6. Frame 6Officials still have not confirmed signs of life, leaving the rescue clock running.