Amateur diver survives 5 days trapped in underwater cave

By taking refuge in an air pocket and eating raw fish, 40-year-old Wang was found alive after being trapped underwater for five days.

On 19/7, Wang, a 40-year-old amateur diver in Hunan province, and a friend were diving in a deep river. About five minutes into their exploration, Wang disappeared. Police immediately launched a search and called for assistance from the Baise City rescue team and special forces in Guangxi.

Divers made two deep dives into the cave system, the entrance of which was nearly 9 meters underwater, but found nothing due to its complexity. During the second dive, the rescue team heard a tapping sound against the rocks. They signaled the surface crew to turn off the boat engine to listen more closely, but the sound didn't repeat. The divers continued to a depth of 130 meters but still found nothing. On their way back up, at a depth of around 100 meters, they spotted Wang’s signal.

"With only 4% oxygen left in his tank, Wang decided to leave the air pocket when he saw us returning and used his flashlight to signal," said Tian Yanglin, captain of the Xiangxi Shuguang rescue team.

The cave entrance, located approximately 9 meters underwater. Photo: 163

The cave entrance, located approximately 9 meters underwater. Photo: 163

According to the captain, Wang survived by sheltering in a hollow area with an air pocket. He caught and ate raw fish for five days. He had previously seen divers swim past below but couldn't contact them.

The 40-year-old was brought to the surface in stable condition, able to walk to the ambulance without a stretcher.

Wang's story quickly spread on social media, astonishing many. Some commented, "9 meters underwater, pitch black, surviving for five days. His spirit didn't break, his will is extraordinary!", and "It's like a miracle, he was even able to catch fish."