Fisherman Found Alive After 15 Days in a Mexican Underwater Cave
August 19, 2026
In a remarkable turn of events, a fisherman trapped for 15 days in a submerged cave in Mexico has been rescued. Erasto Crisanto Valdez, 31, was located by determined cave divers who ventured into the unexplored depths to save him.
Harry Gust, Erasto Crisanto Valdez and Rosso Rivera / Credit: Divernet.com
Valdez disappeared on July 23 while fishing with his father near San Francisco La Paz, situated in the southeastern Veracruz state. Uxpanapa, the region in question, is characterized by its complex cave network, which Valdez explored before becoming lost.
His father attempted a search but eventually called for additional help, sparking a broad rescue effort. Local residents, relatives, civil protection members, and Mexican Navy divers all joined forces. However, the cave’s treacherous conditions, including poor visibility and intricate rock structures, made progress difficult.
The search shifted towards a recovery mission after several days, until expert divers Harry Gust and Rosalino “Rosso” Rivera entered the scene, bringing renewed hope.
Gust’s initial exploration, lasting 75 minutes, led to the discovery of a spare air tank approximately 100 meters inside the cave, indicating Valdez had ventured deeper than initially thought.
Upon returning for further investigation, Gust uncovered a dry chamber within the cave. Calling into the darkness, he received an unexpected response: “Yes!”
Valdez was alive, having taken refuge in a recess just 10 meters away. He had spent two weeks in complete darkness, awaiting rescue.
“I assured him that I was coming back for him with more help,” Gust recalled.
The rescue mission was fraught with danger due to Valdez’s weakened, dehydrated state and the challenging underwater passage. Nonetheless, the divers were committed to bringing him out safely.
With Rivera’s assistance, Valdez was guided back through the cave, breathing from Rivera’s diving equipment. Once on the surface, he was transported via stretcher up a steep mountain trail to an ambulance.
Valdez is currently recovering in a local hospital with his family. His survival in the cave was attributed to discovering an air-filled chamber and a water source. He had no perception of time, unable to differentiate day from night.
“It was pitch black,” he said. “I couldn’t see a thing out there.”
Valdez maintained his faith throughout the ordeal, stating, “I kept my faith in God.”
In another account, he mentioned how time seemed distorted, feeling as though only three days had passed. During his wait, he slept, prayed, and consumed water.
Valdez was in prayer when he noticed bubbles and light entering the chamber, followed by Gust’s voice.
The successful rescue transformed a dire search into a miraculous save. The Municipal Government of Uxpanapa commended the extensive rescue operation, involving coordinated efforts on land, river, and air, motivated by unwavering hope.
After enduring the cave’s darkness, Valdez was finally brought back to light, thanks to the perseverance of his rescuers.
Valdez in the hospital / Divers emerge with Valdez
