Diver, who was from China, managed to endure a five-day submergence beneath the water, surviving by consuming cave fish until a rescue team found him.
Chinese Diver Miraculously Survives Five Days in Underwater Cave
In a remarkable tale of survival, a Chinese diver named Wang miraculously endured five days trapped in an underwater cave in Xiangxi, Hunan province. The incident occurred on July 19, 2025, in a river known for its depth and complex cave systems, around nine metres below the surface.
Wang, a diving enthusiast in his 40s from Furong Town in Xiangxi, went missing during a river dive with a friend. Initial searches during the first dive were unsuccessful. However, during the second dive, rescuers heard a sound resembling someone knocking on rocks. Despite the faintness of the sound, the rescuers instructed the surface team to shut off the boat engines to improve listening conditions.
The rescue operation was extensive, involving local police, the Xiangxi Shuguang Rescue Team, and specialized cave-diving police from Baise city. The cave diving team from Baise's special forces conducted two deep dives into the cave, reaching depths of 130 metres, but found no sign of Wang. At one point, the faint knocking sounds ceased, and hope diminished.
However, at about 100 metres depth during an ascent, rescuers finally noticed Wang flashing a light near an air pocket. Wang had managed to sustain himself in this deepwater air pocket by catching fish and keeping calm in total darkness. His first words upon rescue were reportedly asking, “Do you have a cigarette?”
Wang's miraculous survival is widely regarded as a remarkable testament to his endurance and willpower. He signaled rescuers at a critical moment when his oxygen supplies were nearly depleted, ultimately leading to his rescue. The exact nature of his diving activity with his friend is not specified.
The incident left netizens in disbelief and shock. Wang's survival is a testament to the human spirit and the lengths one can go to survive in the most challenging of circumstances. Despite the dangers, Wang's story serves as a reminder of the thrill and adventure that can be found in the depths of the earth's waterways.
Wang, prior to his harrowing ordeal in the underwater cave, was known to be a diving enthusiast. His survival experience in the cave can be described as an extraordinary tale of courage that one might encounter during intense sports activities.
