Laos and Thai rescue groups posted about the successful operation on social media, along with photos of the men lying on stretchers, wearing oxygen masks and being wrapped in foil blankets.

For now they remain stuck in an underground cavern as rescuers continue to search for the two remaining people.

Five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos for more than a week have been found alive, while two are still missing.

Ongoing work follows successful evacuation of first survivor on Friday

A total of five people have now been rescued, while two remain missing.