'All eight alive' in France cave rescue

Eight Swiss holidaymakers trapped for two days in a flooded cave are alive, according to reports.

Herve Tonnaire, an aide to the prefect in the Doubs region in France, said contact had been made with the eight, who are still trapped.

The breakthrough came after rescue workers reached one of two known air pockets in the flooded cave. Rescuers dug a hole from above into the cave to gain access to the cavity 70 metres from the cave's entrance.

A narrow passage had blocked divers from making their way into the air pocket.

Swiss and French rescue workers, divers and civil defence personnel had worked through the night to contact the five men and three women who are aged between 25 and 30.