Fisherman Rescued After 15 Days Trapped in Flooded Cave Air Pocket

Erasto Crisanto Valdéz, 31, has been rescued after an astonishing 15 days trapped in a flooded cave in Veracruz, Mexico. He disappeared on July 23 while fishing with his father in a cenote, a natural pit or sinkhole. Rescue teams had begun to believe he was dead, preparing only to "find the body."

However, Valdéz was found alive, trapped in an air pocket more than 100 meters below the surface. An international team of explorers from Mexico, Germany, the United States, and the Dominican Republic located him on Thursday. He endured weeks of cold and dampness in the dark cave.

Mexican explorer Carlos Jiménez described the rescue as a "miracle," attributing Valdéz's survival to divine intervention. Valdéz himself expressed gratitude for a second chance at life and the opportunity to see his children and family again. He was rescued onto a stretcher, suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. He has since been rushed to his hometown of Uxpanapa for treatment and is reportedly recovering quickly, having already returned home to a celebration with family and neighbors.

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Gracias, Dios, por darme otra oportunidad en la vida y por permitirme volver a ver a mis hijos y a mi familia.