'We were so close': Laos cave rescue called off as conditions deteriorate
According to ABC News Australia, the international operation to rescue two trapped climbers in a cave system in northern Laos has been called off due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The team, which included experts from Australia, said it was 'so close' to a successful conclusion.
According to ABC News Australia, the operation was searching for two climbers reported missing 11 days ago in the Tham Nam cave system near Luang Prabang. The team, which included volunteer expert divers from Australia, Thailand and the Czech Republic, had managed to reach the cave's deeper chambers in recent days.
Lao officials said the seasonal rains had arrived early and the water level in the cave's inner chambers was rising by 30 centimetres an hour. Operation Chief Colonel Vongphan told reporters that the team had completed 47 dives and that, at the point at which the last attempt failed, the divers had been only 200 metres from the climbers when ordered to turn back.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the teams had worked with 'a borderless effort' and offered condolences. As families continue to wait, the governments involved said they will consider another attempt once seasonal conditions improve.
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