\u201cI know that for me this is over \u2014 I\u2019ll be able to decompress from here,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it\u2019s a huge testament to the guys who\u2019ve stayed on in order to do this because they\u2019re continuing to put themselves at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richards was among the first divers to reach the stranded group deep inside the Xaisomboun cave network, where seven villagers were trapped for 10 days after heavy rain triggered flash flooding and landslides that sealed the entrance.<\/p>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/71dd55ed1b8a0f82ab2f37923846f384f0429f15.jpg\")
Two men are believed to be missing in the cave system Credit: Supplied.<\/p>\n
He was there when the first man was freed late on Friday \u2014 cold, exhausted and covered in mud after surviving what rescuers described as a \u201cclaustrophobic hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was obviously very cold, very tired \u2014 but in very good condition,\u201d Richards told 7NEWS.<\/p>\n
By Saturday evening, four more men were brought out in a multinational effort involving teams from at least five countries. The group had been surviving on small rock ledges deep inside the system, where rescuers passed them food, water and blankets and taught them how to use breathing gear for the dangerous journey out.<\/p>\n
Video captured the moment the men stepped into daylight, greeted by cheers, clapping and visible relief from dozens of rescuers on the ground.<\/p>\n
All five are now recovering in hospital.<\/p>\n
But the mission is far from over. Two villagers remain missing, and worsening weather is making the search increasingly dangerous.<\/p>\n
![\"Diver](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7c86276b2598962ceb300216d535eb9fb24c056e.jpg\")
Diver Josh Richards has returned home to Adelaide Credit: Supplied.<\/p>\n
Richards says conditions underground have become even more treacherous and recent heavy rain and flash flooding has made the mission particularly challenging.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as it starts to rain, we see that water line rise very quickly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sharp rocks, tight passages and rising water continue to threaten ropes, cables and air lines as rescuers push deeper into the system.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting to that first chamber is essentially grinding your face through mud and water,\u201d Richards said.<\/p>\n
Authorities in Laos say the search will continue as long as conditions allow.<\/p>\n
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