Efforts Underway to Rescue Trapped Tourists and Guides in Slovenian Cave
Five individuals, comprising of two guides and three tourists, have been ensnared in the depths of Križna Jama cave in southern Slovenia since Saturday, following torrential rain Rescuers are diligently working towards reaching them
Five individuals have gone missing in Slovenia's Križna Jama (or "Cross Cave") after entering on Saturday morning. Rescuers are working to locate and pull them out on Monday, following heavy rain in the area.
Another guide attempted to locate the missing group, but was unsuccessful. As a result, the Slovenian Cave Rescue Service (CRS) was called in to assist with their recovery. The rescue team is currently strategizing to enter the cave and ensure the group's safety by Monday.
Slovenia's famous water cave is a popular tourist spot where visitors can explore inside by taking a boat ride. Recently, a group of explorers became trapped inside the cave due to high water levels which blocked the safe passages. The European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) sent divers to make contact with the group, but were unable to evacuate them.
Rescue efforts continued on Sunday, but divers were unable to evacuate the five.
Cave Rescue Service of Slovenia/Handout/Reuters
The group were about 1.3 miles from the cave entrance, and were in good physical and mental condition, the ECRA said.
In a positive turn of events, the water level in Križna Jama has decreased overnight, allowing rescuers to navigate a boat around the cave area. The ECRA stated that this development is very promising for the rescue of trapped individuals.
The Slovenian Cave Rescue Divers are getting ready to enter the cave early in the morning on Monday. If all goes as planned, we can anticipate a successful rescue of the trapped individuals today," ECRA stated in their Monday Facebook post.
