How 5 people were trapped in Slovenian Cave

Five individuals, including three adults from a Slovenian family and two guides, found themselves stranded within the confines of Krizna Jama cave in southwestern Slovenia.

The predicament unfolded as surging water levels, triggered by relentless downpours, impeded their exit on Saturday.

Promptly responding to the emergency, Slovenian rescue teams dispatched divers who successfully reached the stranded group.

Efforts were made to relocate them to a secure location specifically designated for such contingencies. Assurances of their well-being were conveyed by Igor Benko, the head of Slovenia’s Speleological Association.

The group’s exploration commenced on Saturday, intending to tour the extensive 8-kilometer cave system, boasting a chain of subterranean lakes. Accessible solely through guided tours, the cave necessitates travel via a boat along the Bloscica River.

As water levels continued to obstruct their passage, rescuers constructed a heated shelter within the cave to provide refuge until the waters recede to safe levels.

Benko expressed optimism about an anticipated decrease in subterranean water levels shortly, yet cautioned that it might require several days for conditions to normalize for safe passage.

The magnitude of the situation spurred a comprehensive rescue endeavor involving 35 cave rescuers, eight divers from various regions of Slovenia, as well as 11 firefighters and members of the civil protection force, according to authorities.

Notably, Krizna Jama cave stands as the fourth-largest known underground ecosystem globally, renowned for its biodiversity, as outlined by the STA (Slovenian Press Agency).