Urgent Rescue at Flooded West Virginia Mine: Search Intensifies for Missing Miner
November 13, 2025
The flood occurred when an unknown pocket of water entered roughly three-quarters of a mile into the mine after a wall was compromised, with more than a dozen miners accounted for at the time.
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No further operational details are provided about the rescue efforts in the available text, such as timeline or specific agencies.
Crews are searching for a missing miner after the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, West Virginia flooded, prompting ongoing rescue efforts by local, state, and federal agencies in collaboration with Alpha Metallurgical Resources.
Water is being pumped at about 6,000 gallons per minute as more pumps arrive, the mine water level is dropping, and progress is being made on drilling and air-pocket exploration.
Officials coordinate with the Department of Environmental Protection and federal agencies to manage water discharge responsibly while focusing on the rescue operation.
Eyewitness News will continue covering the situation and providing updates as new information becomes available.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and others express close monitoring and support for federal and state coordination during the rescue.
Conditions include air and water temperatures around 52-54 degrees, with the miner potentially prioritizing staying dry and in an open air pocket to avoid hypothermia.
Two dive teams are operating on-site, coordinated with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and the National Cave Rescue Commission.
About eight workers on the surface coordinate supplies and eight handle a new waterline per shift, with 12-hour shifts.
Rescue teams have worked around the clock in 12-hour shifts over multiple days of search and recovery.
The operation remains focused on miner safety and rescuer safety as it continues.
Summary based on 38 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Nov 13, 2025
Body of missing coal miner found in flooded West Virginia mine, governor says
The Guardian • Nov 11, 2025
Search for West Virginia miner trapped by floodwater extends into fourth day
USA TODAY • Nov 11, 2025
'Keep praying.' Search enters Day 4 for missing West Virginia coal miner.